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Date Posted: 15:41:27 02/12/09 Thu
Author: Schludwiller.
Subject: Re: 2001 Ball Joint ...Bigger issue sthan thought
In reply to: Mike B. 's message, "2001 Ball Joint ...Bigger issue sthan thought" on 11:44:48 02/11/09 Wed

Squeeking doesn't necessarily indicate a ball joint problem, but I guess it's possible. More often squeeking is lack of lubrication in the bushings of the control arms. Hell, it could even be something as simple as a bad shock, or dry bushings. Rule out the cheap stuff first.

First to diagnose, jack the front left tire off the ground. Grab the tire from the top and bottom and try to tilt/move it in and out from the vehicle (12 o'clock and 6 o'clock). If you feel movement or a slight thunking, then it's the ball joint.

If you grab the tire from the sides (3 and 9 o'clock) and do the same movement, but side to side and you feel movement and thunking, then it's likely your steering centerlink.

I have an aftermarket suspension so replacing ball joints isn't much of a big deal for the upper control arm. The lower can be done without replacing the entire control arm, but it's a PITA. If you have a stock suspension, then you need a ball-joint press to remove it, unless you buy a new arm with the new joint in it already.

The comment about the torsion bar is that you need to remove the tension on it before separating the upper control arm, and need to remove the torsion bar if removing the lower control arm. Your mechanic also might be talking about all the other stuff (half-shaft, etc) to remove the lower control arm. Then there's the popular swearing and banging while removing the ball joint from the spindle with a pickle fork.

Unfortunately, the dealership will charge you a lot to do the work. If you're not familiar with the suspension, then probably best to suck it up and pay to have it done right. I would just make sure I knew what was wrong before going in with your open wallet in your hand and leaving it up to Nissan to diagnose.

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