Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Ball Joints and Ticking Noise (Read 195 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 3 Guests are viewing this topic.
Ball Joints and Ticking Noise
A recent post inspired me to look into changing all the fluids in Nocona (engine oil, power steering, brakes, transmission, coolant, and differential. Current mileage is just under 45K.  On the drive over from Kern to San Luis Obispo County, I noticed a ticking noise in the engine so I asked the service facility to investigate that, as well as give a quote on adding Zerk fittings to the upper and lower ball joints.

The fluids have all been changed and I received this response today from the service manager regarding the ticking noise and the ball joints. I’m inviting any thoughts you may have:

“Hi Greg, the motorhome will need new upper and lower ball joints that are greaseable, parts would be estimate $350.00 and labor would be $1200.00 The ticking noise is just the fuel injectors operating, there is nothing to be concerned about with that.”
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Ball Joints and Ticking Noise
Reply #1 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
“Hi Greg, the motorhome will need new upper and lower ball joints that are greaseable, parts would be estimate $350.00 and labor would be $1200.00 The ticking noise is just the fuel injectors operating, there is nothing to be concerned about with that.”

It appears they don't want to add grease fittings to the ball joints, but want to replace the existing with joints that have grease fittings.

For my money, if I'm going to pay to have the ball joints replaced, they should be worn out.   I would drive it as is for a while unless you can find someone to add zerks to the existing joints (I don't know if that's possible or not with a 2017). 

It is also possible to grease sealed ball joints (joints without a grease fitting) using a needle.

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Ball Joints and Ticking Noise
Reply #2 –
I am surprised that new ball joints are required at 45K. It is not too difficult and doesn't require any special tools to determine if you need them. Just have to jack up the front end, hold the tire at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and push it back and forth. If you need ball joints you will feel and maybe hear the play in the ball joints. You can also insert a pry under the tire and pry it up and down. If you feel play, you need to replace them.

Regarding adding zerk fittings, it's dead simple if it's already set up for them (my 2008 is). The parts are already threaded for zerks. You just remove the plugs, take them to the parts store and get the same size zerks. Then just thread them in.

I'm interested in hearing how you come out on this.
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester
Re: Ball Joints and Ticking Noise
Reply #3 –
I would definitely check if you have caps over holes where the fittings can be installed. If so, I would trust nothing you were told by this shop and look for another. The injectors do make a faint ticking noise, but unlikely it would be audible in the cab. Exhaust leaks usually make such a sound that CAN be heard inside, as do loose plugs or other more serious issues.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Ball Joints and Ticking Noise
Reply #4 –
Hi Greg;  Is the ticking sound only heard at idle?  I'd go with a loose sparkplug, or more likely an exhaust manifold leak at a joint.  The connecting spots for the manifold are further away, the plugs are right there just on the other side of your engine cover. Has any maintenance been done to your sparkplugs or are they original?   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Ball Joints and Ticking Noise
Reply #5 –
Greg, I am curious about the ball joint discussion you had with the service manager. And was this work being discussed at a Ford service center?

My 2003 came with threaded caps on the ball joints. When I went to a commercial truck tire shop for the 1st alignment, the mechanic told me he would recommend installing grease fittings. He did so. I went back to have alignment checked before getting new tires and he pointed out how well my front end was holding up. He was replacing many parts on a similar RV that never had grease fittings installed. He made an interesting comment along the line that Ford does not allow their dealers to install grease fittings in the ball joints BUT the replacement ball joints did have grease fittings!

So maybe your shop is following the Ford directive? The way I read your post was that IF you want zerks in the ball joints, you could get them with new ball joints. The question I would ask again was is he saying you NEED new ball joints? Or is that the only way to get zerks on ball joints? Are you showing signs of premature tire wear?

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Ball Joints and Ticking Noise
Reply #6 –
Thank you all so much for your responses, much appreciated! The shop in question was a referral from Paso Robles Ford since they do not work on motorhomes. It is our local Peterbilt shop, so they are very familiar with working on heavy chassis. They do a lot of mechanical motorhome work from what I’m told.

They are not recommending that the ball joints be replaced at this time; they were just giving me a quote since I wanted to be able to lubricate them. I had previously crawled under there to take a look and did not see any areas where Zerk fittings could be installed.  More info in this thread:

Ball Joint Lubrication

I just relayed to the service manager what y’all said about possible loose spark plugs, or an exhaust manifold leak. They are going to check that out and let me know. I will follow up as soon as I know more. Thanks again!

Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Ball Joints and Ticking Noise
Reply #7 –
Latest update: the mechanic checked the spark plugs and exhaust manifold and did not find any problems there.  I'll be picking up the RV tomorrow and will take it for a test drive.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264