Thread: Ball Joints, Control Arms, and all that good stuff

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  1. #1 Ball Joints, Control Arms, and all that good stuff 
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    Hello all. I've recently been doing a lot of work on the suspension of my car, mainly with making the front end safer for when the power comes. The car has 181k on the ODO and thus far, I have put in a GMPP sway bar, Monroe struts, and a new engine mount. HOLY CRAP that engine mount made a difference! However, I am still getting a clunk every time I turn the steering wheel to the right sitting still. Also, I get a 'grind' that is consistent with the engine when accelerating off the line to about 10 mph, or turning around 15-20 mph. I found out the right ball joint is popping up when the steering wheel is turned and I have come to realize it's time for those to be replaced, along with the control arm bushings.

    I have a couple questions

    1) Should I replace the tranny mount too? I bought one and inspected the old one, but it still appears to be holding up okay. It has cracks around it, but it does not look like it has leaked.

    2) Should I replace the control arms and tie-rod ends too? All of this stuff is OEM from the factory, so it has mild rust and corrosion. I figured since I will have to get a front-end alignment anyways, I might as well get the control arms, bushings, ball joints, and tie-rod ends done at once, then get an alignment.

    3) If I do get new control arms, which should I go with? Dorman - 40$, Mevotech - 56$, or Moog - 70$? The ball joint is included with the arm. I know Moog is the performance line, but it is also steeper in price. ZZP CA's are out of the question (sadly lol). What I'm basically asking here is, will I be hitting myself in the head for making a bad decision and buying cheap CA's and ball joints?

    Thanks!
    Last edited by Nchristopherson; 07-09-2013 at 02:25 PM.
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  2. #2 Re: Ball Joints, Control Arms, and all that good stuff 
    Turbo is the way to go. REDCRAPGP's Avatar
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    Plenty of guys use the dorman controls arms as replacement. I have yet to hear about anyone having issues so...can't go wrong there.
    Squirrels are my engine. I need a Ford Regal
    04 Comp G.
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  3. #3 Re: Ball Joints, Control Arms, and all that good stuff 
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    Sweet! Thanks, that's good news to hear.
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  4. #4 Re: Ball Joints, Control Arms, and all that good stuff 
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    Im running the moog ones, i like the ability to grease the Balljoint.

    2001 GTP Special Edition - 3.29's built tranny, Coilovers with agx struts, 04+ seats, 18" Eagle 077's, Ported heads, ported blower, pacesetters, 3.4"
    2004 BMW 325CI with the sport package and the correct amount of pedals.
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  5. #5 Re: Ball Joints, Control Arms, and all that good stuff 
    SE Level Member rhenuset's Avatar
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    The grinding is only at around 10mph and no other time? Does it grind when you turn one way or both?
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  6. #6 Re: Ball Joints, Control Arms, and all that good stuff 
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    While your in there I'd just go ahead and replace the tranny mount, tie rods, and Dorman or Moog control arms. If you want to save a couple of bucks look up control arms for a Regal, same exact part just a different number for some reason.
    05 Saab 9-2X Linear (Saabaru)
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    You said "I'm done with it"... car says "Oh, really? *trollface*"
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  7. #7 Re: Ball Joints, Control Arms, and all that good stuff 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    I've been running the dorman control arms for 60K. Still treating me well. Tie rods..check them, replace if needed.
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

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  8. #8 Re: Ball Joints, Control Arms, and all that good stuff 
    GTX Level Member QUICKSILVER462's Avatar
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    On the clunck when you turn the wheel when stationary...check your rack and pinion mounting bolts, make sure they are good and tight.
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  9. #9 Re: Ball Joints, Control Arms, and all that good stuff 
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    I'm thinking it may be the right ball joint being dislocated through acceleration. Or maybe since both of the control arms bushings are practically shot, they could be rattling around in there. I have control arms and tie-rod ends on their way, I'll post more if the sound persists.
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  10. #10 Re: Ball Joints, Control Arms, and all that good stuff 
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    So I have installed the control arms and put new tie rods on. The popping noise persisted so I tracked it to the right inner tie rod. Could the inner tie rod ball joint be popping when only turning the wheel one direction?

    Also, there seems to be a thump coming from the front end. It is consistent with speed, like a 'thump thump thump', but it happens periodically, sometimes I hear it, sometimes it's completely gone. Could this be wheel bearings?
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