Causes of broken ball joints

[abig84]

Originally Posted by special-K

This is caused by lack of maintenance. Jack truck up and check for play a couple times a year to prevent this. Typically play at 12 and 6 means bearing or ball joints, play at 3 and 9 means tie rod end or other steering link, and play in all directions is wheel bearing. I grease every other oil change. My '92 K3500 went 335k on all original steering except idler arm that wore out every 80-90k. And that was with 285/75-16s and was a loaded work truck it's whole life

yeah same, grease fittings are a wonderful thing its a shame they got rid of them on pretty much every new car. my 1990 with 225k still has original rivited in ball joints and dont have a hair of play.... tie rods might be original as they are pretty rusty looking. but idler does get changed out once and a while. just have to check them every few months or so