posted 08-28-2016 08:40 PM                  

Plus on the same page is a video on the right that shows how to measure and purchase the correct size boot.

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posted 08-28-2016 09:13 PM                  

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Originally posted by padroo:
Upper and lower ball joint locations on front suspension, there are ball joints on the rear also but you never hear anyone really complaining about them. I suppose it is because they don't turn with the rear wheels like the front does in a turn.

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Padroo.....I think cat a tonic maybe on to something here!!!

posted 08-28-2016 10:10 PM                  

I have replaced ball joints but never on any of my cars.

posted 08-31-2016 03:09 PM                  

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Originally posted by mslc10:
Thanks Quincy! I still think that the lack of fenders allows uv rays to degrade the boot also. Other vehicles joints are shrouded by fenders......just an additional thought.

In response to the nylon washer....use two! Friction coefficient between two nylon entities is .15. Or Teflon .....04!

So who has a ball joint that can be measured for hole diameter, can calculate the thickness needed and give these guys a call?........

http://www.phoenixspecialty.com/products/washers/ptfe-washers

They can make us whatever we need! Is there a recess in the bottom of the knuckle or is it just flat where the boot contacts it?
Can someone post a picture of the bottom of the knuckle?
Friction table if your interested: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/friction-coefficients-d_778.html

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posted 09-07-2016 04:19 PM                  

The factory boot itself(at the bottom) is held in place with a spiral lock style ring. The boot once in place on the ball joint, is just slightly smaller in circumference than the bottom portion of the actual metal housing that presses into place within the control arm.

At this time the only possible fix MIGHT BE to remove or alter the tension of the upper boot spring steel ring that is installed on the upper portion of the boot. There by reducing the tension or grip that the boot has on the ball joint stem.

posted 09-09-2016 08:18 AM                  

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Originally posted by Largent:
Thanks for the location info.
I am about to begin taking my front end apart to have components chromed.
My Prowler has about 6500 miles and had the recall "repair" done at 2000 miles.
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Any advice on what to look for or recommended replacements while it's apart?
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Thanks again - this site is awesome!

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posted 09-09-2016 03:56 PM                  

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Originally posted by pgpg42:
Thank you for your observations. The lower ball joint has a tough job. I have long suspected that the stiff front suspension has contributed to it's short life. Has anyone ever moved the coilovers outboard in place of the solid black bar? Or, replaced the front coilovers with something less stiff?

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posted 09-23-2016 12:19 PM                  

The knuckles themselves are flat across the bottom. And cutting material off them might compromise their strength.

It's the boots. The boots as the ball joints are drawn up into the knuckle are collapsed and for lack of a better description,squished. The boots are ballooned once the ball joint stem is fully torqued in place. While the boots are new they have a certain amount of resilience and can resist the twisting that leads to the eventual tearing.

posted 09-24-2016 11:13 AM                  

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Originally posted by CAT-A-TONIC:
Maybe.......but taking off the knuckles and sending them to a shop that could possibly make some kind of machining modification would be a fairly monumental task for everyone.

The knuckles themselves are flat across the bottom. And cutting material off them might compromise their strength.

It's the boots. The boots as the ball joints are drawn up into the knuckle are collapsed and for lack of a better description,squished. The boots are ballooned once the ball joint stem is fully torqued in place. While the boots are new they have a certain amount of resilience and can resist the twisting that leads to the eventual tearing.

To me a boot designed with less boot material would probably be a better starting point (and maybe the fix). That way they wouldn't be so strained once in place and would be better off resisting twisting especially after a significant amount of road time has gone by.

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posted 09-24-2016 11:29 AM                  

Here is this companies YouTube video showing how to measure your ball joint and it doesn't look too complicated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxDWFntAdeA

If someone has a ball joint in their hand would you measure it like in the video and post the part number from this website so it is documented what we need for our Prowlers. The material these are made of should be superior to what came on our Prowlers. Thank you in advance.

posted 09-24-2016 04:29 PM                  

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Originally posted by CAT-A-TONIC:
I have tried that but no go. The boots aren't held on the bjs the same way. U can't just pop off the old and throw on a new one. The boots are held in place with a spiral lock wire and must be the exact size for clearance so they can come up through the bottom of the A arm. And no...you can't install new boots from the top side once in place.

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posted 09-25-2016 03:49 PM                  

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Originally posted by CAT-A-TONIC:
Well.....your going to have to replace them. Case closed on that. Weather you do the job or pay someone. The recall kit lists for about $100.00.

If you decide to do it your self let me know and I will give you some major tips to make the job easier and come out good.

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