Gmt 900 Ball Joints Shot

michigan2500hd · October 29, 2009

Been having a clunk in the front end for the last few months. I have looked under the truck several times and wiggled the tierods, etc. But today i put a jack under each lower control arm and felt and heard the drivers side wheel moving in and out at the top. I called a front end place but they said they had call around and see if there was a part avalible yet. Guess i am the first in this area to experience this problem on the new body style trucks. Anybody have an idea what this should cost? Part numbers? Thanks

txab · October 30, 2009

Been having a clunk in the front end for the last few months. I have looked under the truck several times and wiggled the tierods, etc. But today i put a jack under each lower control arm and felt and heard the drivers side wheel moving in and out at the top. I called a front end place but they said they had call around and see if there was a part avalible yet. Guess i am the first in this area to experience this problem on the new body style trucks. Anybody have an idea what this should cost? Part numbers? Thanks

Rockauto.com

Buy Moog parts.

Check your wheel bearings too.

Tsmith · October 30, 2009

Due from the leveling kit I suppose?

LeoS41280 · October 30, 2009

How many miles do you have on it?

pm26 · October 30, 2009

So in addition to Chinese brake rotors, GM started using Chinese ball joints too. After all, who needs quality parts that will last 100k+ miles?

C. Charles Hahn · October 30, 2009

Been having a clunk in the front end for the last few months. I have looked under the truck several times and wiggled the tierods, etc. But today i put a jack under each lower control arm and felt and heard the drivers side wheel moving in and out at the top. I called a front end place but they said they had call around and see if there was a part avalible yet. Guess i am the first in this area to experience this problem on the new body style trucks. Anybody have an idea what this should cost? Part numbers? Thanks

Rockauto.com

Buy Moog parts.

Check your wheel bearings too.

Not so much, txab.... there aren't any Moog parts for the GMT900 trucks yet.

Bish · October 30, 2009

You can get Moog with complete control arms. Not really worth it IMO at $134 each x 4. I have had excellent luck with Moog HD on previous GM trucks.

Spurshot · October 30, 2009

Can the balljoint be replaced separately on these trucks? I would have guessed that Moog would offer a separate balljoint if so?

C. Charles Hahn · October 30, 2009

You can get Moog with complete control arms. Not really worth it IMO at $134 each x 4. I have had excellent luck with Moog HD on previous GM trucks.

Oh I agree, I always use Moog parts if they're available, but I don't see a real justification in replacing entire control arms. Even at that, are the Moog parts that come on their control arms fitted with grease zerks? To my knowledge no one makes ball joints for the GMT900 that aren't sealed, regardless of brand or form.

Irv · October 30, 2009

Curious on the milage as well?

You know, the more ailments I read about these new trucks, the less happy I am about selling my old truck!

Bish · October 30, 2009

On a side note. While it is always easier to lube with a zerk fitting, I am using a needle for my 08. I lube every other oil change and each time I can't even find the spot I used previously so it doesn't tear up the boot. I've done it 2 times in 40K and so far the boots look completely sealed.

I figure I would rather have fresh grease in there and take a chance that water might get in. Then again, I figure if I keep the boots slightly firm, water won't be able to get in. Just my thoughts.

C. Charles Hahn · October 31, 2009

Curious on the milage as well?
You know, the more ailments I read about these new trucks, the less happy I am about selling my old truck!

The thing is, the guy who started this thread has a leveling kit on his truck. From what I've seen, THAT is what causes the problem... otherwise these trucks are fine.

It's making me question installing the RC level kit on mine.

michigan2500hd · October 31, 2009

Yes i have the Sky Jacker 2" leveling kit. The truck has about 60,000 miles. Had the clunking noise for a few months. Not super bad yet but want to fix before the mid-west winter hits. Wondering if i should replace both since i will need an alignment after replacing the ball joint. What i really need is a work truck so this one doesnt get so many miles on it,lol. Also i had some 285/65/18 BFG A/T load range E tires and very heavy rims on the truck for maybe 30,000 of those miles. I am sure that didnt help

fuzzyfurlong · October 31, 2009

I always replace ball joints in sets. if one is gone you can bet the other's are not far behind. I would replace the uppers and lowers . just my opinion though.

michigan2500hd · October 31, 2009

I always replace ball joints in sets. if one is gone you can bet the other's are not far behind. I would replace the uppers and lowers . just my opinion though.

I would like to do all 4 but cost at this time is a major concern.