Ball Joints and Tie Rods

[larrylegend]

So I just finished doing my inner/outer tie rods and lower ball joints on both sides of my 99. I got everything put back together and now my brake light on the dash flashes intermittently. It seems like one of my brakes is dragging a bit. I have no idea why it would be dragging as I didn't mess with the brakes at all. I only drove it up and down the driveway so I wasn't able to get enough speed to see if it was pulling one way or the other. I also haven't had an alignment done yet. Any ideas?

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Up and down the driveway won't tell you if it's dragging or not. (Unless you have the coolest driveway in the world.). My guess, check the ABS/vehicle speed sensors. Check the brake fluid level too to be safe.

 

[larrylegend]

Up and down the driveway won't tell you if it's dragging or not. (Unless you have the coolest driveway in the world.). My guess, check the ABS/vehicle speed sensors. Check the brake fluid level too to be safe.

Well the "driveway" is about 300-350 yards long so I was able to get up to about 30mph. I will check the sensors tomorrow morning. Also, if it matters I have my ABS disabled at the moment.

 

[Chandlerdoom]

Lift it up and spin the wheels to check?

Did you end up going all OEM for parts? I know for sure I am going OEM for LBJ but cant see myself spending $250 for OEM Inner tie rods.

 

[bitchaaz]

30mph on your driveway? wow. That's more of a runway. AND, that's pretty cool.
Nothing more I can add. carry on.

 

[larrylegend]

Lift it up and spin the wheels to check?

Did you end up going all OEM for parts? I know for sure I am going OEM for LBJ but cant see myself spending $250 for OEM Inner tie rods.

Yea I went all OEM. I figured the original parts have lasted for 150k miles so these new parts should last about that long too. I don't really want to have to do these again anytime soon.

 

[larrylegend]

30mph on your driveway? wow. That's more of a runway. AND, that's pretty cool.
Nothing more I can add. carry on.

I guess you could say its more like a lane. The house is the only house on it though.

 

[tre9er]

I guess you could say its more like a lane. The house is the only house on it though.

I grew up in the country. Yes, we would have called that a "lane".

 

[chadsy]

Check your brake fluid level.

 

[OffRoadGuy]

Check your brake fluid level.

+1 double check your reservoir

 

[TheeMikeB]

Is it the brake light or the ABS light?

 

[larrylegend]

Is it the brake light or the ABS light?

Brake light, ABS is currently disabled.

 

[larrylegend]

So my brake fluid was right at the low level mark. I filled that up a bit. I took my wheels off and brake pads off. I also pulled my dust shield back a little bit. I put everything back together and so far it drives like it should and no brake light.

So I am still not sure exactly what caused the brake issue. I can't imagine the brake fluid level causing the brakes to stick. The brake pads are good on both sides and the brakes were bled not too long ago.

 

[Spaceman33]

So I just finished doing my inner/outer tie rods and lower ball joints on both sides of my 99. I got everything put back together and now my brake light on the dash flashes intermittently. It seems like one of my brakes is dragging a bit. I have no idea why it would be dragging as I didn't mess with the brakes at all. I only drove it up and down the driveway so I wasn't able to get enough speed to see if it was pulling one way or the other. I also haven't had an alignment done yet. Any ideas?

Just curious about the ride after the tie rod and ball joint replacement. Any significant improvement? I got the 60-70 mph shakes and some suggest that replacing these parts helps.

Thanks

 

[larrylegend]

Just curious about the ride after the tie rod and ball joint replacement. Any significant improvement? I got the 60-70 mph shakes and some suggest that replacing these parts helps.

Thanks

Well I just got back from my alignment. The truck drives like it is brand new now. The front end is so much tighter than it was, especially over bumps. I haven't had the chance to get it on the highway and get over 55mph yet but so far I am very happy with it. I also still have the poly bushings for the steering rack and new rack guide that I can install to hopefully make it even better.

 

[Spaceman33]

Completed the inner/outer TREs and LBJs this past weekend. First side was slow. Second side much easier. After wheel alignment, truck drives tight. But still have vibration between 65-70.

I think my old parts still had life on them. A couple of the joints were a little stiff but no play.