Well ****. Do I need a new UCA?

[pbcolt]

Heres a not so great picture that shows my driver UCA. Seems all of the grease has shot out, some making it onto my coil. I now hear a clicking/rattling going over small bumps/washboards that sounds like it's coming from there.

I'm guessing the joint is bad due to the noise and I cannot just re-pack it and fix the boot.

My local salvage yard will sell me a UCA for $65.

Comments?

 

[Singtoe]

That is not the UCA. It is the upper ball joint. Rarely goes bad. You need to re-diagnosis noise. It might be the sway bar links. Anyway, a little leakage of the grease is ok but if it bothers you, Buy a new one and install. 30 minutes max.

 

[pbcolt]

That is not the UCA. It is the upper ball joint. Rarely goes bad. You need to re-diagnosis noise. It might be the sway bar links. Anyway, a little leakage of the grease is ok but if it bothers you, Buy a new one and install. 30 minutes max.

Well sweet...I just put on new end links so I don't think it's that. Re-diagnose it is!

Thanks for the help

 

[J-money$$$]

Those upper ball joint dust covers always rip.

And that price for a used uca is horrible. I just got a pair shipped for $30. The bushings in mine went out and it was easier to find slightly used ones.

Check your steering rack guide and tie rods

 

[sn0wrunner]

Buy a new one and install. 30 minutes max.

That would be pretty quick... I would expect it to take longer than that. The upper ball joints have to be pressed in, and most people don't have a ball joint press. You can either take the spindle off and take it into a shop to get the upper ball joint pressed in, or go rent a press. But for me it was a pain in the ass.

 

[pbcolt]

Can you tighten the end links too much? I have a problem when I make a u-turn or go to full lock, the steering seems to bind, and then sometimes will pop and release the tension. Only started after I put new end links on.

Those upper ball joint dust covers always rip.

And that price for a used uca is horrible. I just got a pair shipped for $30. The bushings in mine went out and it was easier to find slightly used ones.

Check your steering rack guide and tie rods

Thanks Jmoney. I replaced both of those recently, but will give it a shot.

 

[pbcolt]

That would be pretty quick... I would expect it to take longer than that. The upper ball joints have to be pressed in, and most people don't have a ball joint press. You can either take the spindle off and take it into a shop to get the upper ball joint pressed in, or go rent a press. But for me it was a pain in the ass.

That was my next question, seems I need a press.

 

[Baja Runner]

Total Chaos makes a upper ball joint jig. You can use a c-clamp, ball joint puller and hammer and it should pop off. It takes some beers and swear words though.

 

[Singtoe]

Can you tighten the end links too much? I have a problem when I make a u-turn or go to full lock, the steering seems to bind, and then sometimes will pop and release the tension. Only started after I put new end links on.




Thanks Jmoney. I replaced both of those recently, but will give it a shot.

Sounds like lower ball joint are seizing up on you. You should check them out.

 

[pbcolt]

Sounds like lower ball joint are seizing up on you. You should check them out.

hmm...again something i just replaced. napa premium lbj's