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Is it normal for my 2005 Ram 3500 4x4 to wear both upper and lower ball joints at 41,000 miles to the point they need replacing?
Optional Information: 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad 5.9 Cummins
Hello.
A ball joint is essentially a ball and socket joint, packet in grease and sealed with a rubber boot. This joint connects your upper control arms to the spindle assembly. This ball and socket joint allows the spindle to rotate left, right, up, down, and any combination of movements.
Ball joints will wear out according to their use. If you use the truck for offroading, towing, heavy hauling, or abuse... the ball joints can wear out faster. Even in 41K. Now, if the truck is used for highway use, then you can get 200K.
However, there is a common misconception of when the joints need replacing. Slight movement if the joint can be normal. For your vehicle, 2.29 mm is the max for lower ball joints. 1.59 is the Max for the uppers. This play is measured with the suspension system loaded and the wheel raised off the ground. Meaning, the front of the vehicle lifted by the lower control arms.
Now, if there can be play that is bad enough that it is obviously over the limit. But, under no circumstances do torn or ripped boots justify replacement. Torn boots will cause premature failure. This is because the joint will be exposed to moisture, dirt, and the grease will leak out. Ball joint replacement will be required soon.
The dodge trucks are known for ball joint failures. But, this early is uncommon. Happens, but uncommon unless driving habits are severe.
Certified Technician
ASE Certified. 12 years Automotive Experience.
Reply to rmldaytona's Post: Found out from another source that the upper ball joint on my truck is really a 'king pin', and that was the vertical movement in the assembly.
Sorry to tell you, but king pins have not been used since the 1970's.
Eventhough your ball joint set up might look like a king pin, it is not. You do have upper and lower balljoints.
You said that you have vertical movement. Well, all that's left is to check the amount of movement. Some movement is NORMAL. For your vehicle, 2.29 mm is the max for lower ball joints. 1.59 is the Max for the uppers. This play is measured with the suspension system loaded and the wheel raised off the ground. Meaning, the front of the vehicle lifted by the lower control arms.
the answer is straight from Chrysler, the upper "ball joint" on my solid axle w/ knuckle is a straight shank, 7/8" diameter stud and is vertically free-floating in a 1" long sleeve.(still called a ball joint though) in a bushing with normal travel of 3.15" (5/16) to allow for changes in turning angles. Another source http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/3rd-generation-ram-forum-no-engine-transmission-discussions/194904-cutaway-aam-9-25-ball-joints-quad-4x4.html
Listen. I am not here to argue with you. You simply asked if it is normal for ball joins to wear out on a 3500 cummins truck at 41,000 miles. Yes, it happens. But they can also last over 100K. Seen that too. Ball joints wear out in all trucks, not just Dodge. Even at 41K. Their use directly relates to their life span.
If your vehicle needs king pins, you would need a kit that looks like this. Including the king pins, bearings and washers.
Since you have ball joints, you will need a kit that looks like this.
Wasn't an arguement, but for a ASE Tech, and I have them at my factory too, you gave info in such a manner that it warranted a response, and real kingpins were used in early 80's Fords. My truck has no "ball" in the upper even though it looks like and is installed just like any other ball joint. And after being adversely tested at a none dealer inspection/repair station and being showed vertical movement using a pry bar applied in the knuckle(never seen test done this way) and then failing my vehicle's safety inspection for it, I took it to a Dodge dealer and they found them to be fine. Thanks anyway for your time
Well. I'm glad that you had them rechecked. Wish you happy motoring.