Ball Joint Replacement

[JHarris1385]

How do you test a bad fan clutch?


Mine arent flipped yet and my camber has never been too bad, but I plan to flip when I tackle this repair. I have one of the lifetime firestone alignment plans.

[eternal21]

How do you test a bad fan clutch?


Mine arent flipped yet and my camber has never been too bad, but I plan to flip when I tackle this repair. I have one of the lifetime firestone alignment plans.

I've always heard to spin your fan manually. Lack of resistance = bad fan clutch, so I'm told. However, my fan spun with resistance, so I dismissed it.

Truck had 75kish on it when I got it, and this problem started then. Given what I've heard/read/seen, I'd think if your truck is around that mileage, it is a strong possibility. When I replaced it, and the problem officially stopped, I ordered another to keep as a spare. Later on down the road, it'll be a life saver, I'm sure.

[JHarris1385]

I had decent resistance. It didnt spin longer than normal after shut off either.

Im wondering if this is leading to an overheating trans?

[eternal21]

Yeah, same thing I said, which is why I resisted changing it.

What's your current mileage?

[JHarris1385]

120,000

[JHarris1385]

So if yours passed the test(s), but then changing it solved the problems, maybe I need to bite the bullet and buy yet another part.

[JHarris1385]

Ordered one from Advanced Auto.

- Ran a couple more tests and paid better attention. It never reduces in speed or increases. Then I did a newspaper test I read about. And it easily failed that one. It said if a rolled wad of paper can stop the fan at op. temp then its defective. Looks like its been running in a low frozen state.

[eternal21]

Good man, let me know how it goes!

[JHarris1385]

Looks to be a simple repair. Right?

[eternal21]

Relatively. 4 (10mm, IIRC) nuts hold the fan to the fan clutch. Then 4 more nuts (12mm or 14mm) hold the fan clutch in place. Removal of the fan is somewhat interesting b/c the space is tight due to the radiator being in place.

Make sure you pay attention when replacing the fan to make sure that you don't put in on in reverse.

[JHarris1385]

Im calling my go to cheap mechanic tomorrow for the ball joint repair!

This fan clutch didnt go as planned:
Had to make another trip back for the specialty wrench
Then I stripped a nut...long story short, I filed it down till it wore off
So now I gotta make a trip in the a.m. for nuts

[JHarris1385]

Welp, couldnt get a hold of him yet. He is anti technology and never answers his home phone. The guy does good work and dirt cheap where you feel like he lost money working on it. I always tip him, its that bad.

Anyways, worst case scenario, what would you pay a shop to complete this repair?

Also, if all four are bad (split boots), how likely is a major wheel popping off failure? I drive 10-20miles daily starting tomorrow of 70mph interstate.

[ND92]

Hey guys
sorry to bring up an old thread.

I need to replace all 4 Ball Joints and was wondering what the BEST ones are that I can get(upgrade over stock). I've looked at a few but I have no knowledge of Ball Joints. I was looking at Indy 4X's premium Ball joint set but at $400 its a little pricey.