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Check your upper ball joints :eek:
As outlined in other threads, our Itvees use the K80014 upper ball joint. These joints are directional, meaning they are only supposed to flex in one direction, and must be installed in a particular clocked position. You can see in the photo below, the channel that the ball swivels in, and only in one plane or direction:
click to enlarge:
On initial inspection of one ITV, I found 3 of them were properly installed, with the indicator (small hole, dot, notch or punch mark on-top) directly towards or away from the tire, like so:
click to enlarge:
However, one was improperly installed, both out of alignment and missing the grease fitting, allowing dirt and water inside:
click to enlarge:
Misalignment can cause effects such as suspension binding, joint damage (as others have seen here), control arm damage, loss of travel, and improper alignment as suspension moves while driving.
Re-positioning or replacement (I found a complete joint under $10 with some shopping), involves wheel removal and partial suspension disassembly, but is relatively straight-forward in your garage or driveway. See Rasmusrentals videos for some guidance.
Pulling the joint requires a ball joint press, which is like a C-clamp with adapters, and can be used directly on the vehicle without further disassembly. They can be found under $50 online and up, or many local auto parts stores rent them for free with a deposit.
Inspect your ride!
click to enlarge:
On initial inspection of one ITV, I found 3 of them were properly installed, with the indicator (small hole, dot, notch or punch mark on-top) directly towards or away from the tire, like so:
click to enlarge:
However, one was improperly installed, both out of alignment and missing the grease fitting, allowing dirt and water inside:
click to enlarge:
Misalignment can cause effects such as suspension binding, joint damage (as others have seen here), control arm damage, loss of travel, and improper alignment as suspension moves while driving.
Re-positioning or replacement (I found a complete joint under $10 with some shopping), involves wheel removal and partial suspension disassembly, but is relatively straight-forward in your garage or driveway. See Rasmusrentals videos for some guidance.
Pulling the joint requires a ball joint press, which is like a C-clamp with adapters, and can be used directly on the vehicle without further disassembly. They can be found under $50 online and up, or many local auto parts stores rent them for free with a deposit.
Inspect your ride!
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