front suspension maintenence?

steve99 · April 5, 2005

My truck has gone over 100k now and seems like it may be time to have some things checked out in the front end. Has some popping noises coming from up there when I turn, in the past it was new bushings that solved that. Besides shocks, what other general maintenence items up there might need to be replaced or checked?

99 GMC nbs

5.3, 2wd,

ext cab short bed

Bish · April 5, 2005

My truck has gone over 100k now and seems like it may be time to have some things checked out in the front end. Has some popping noises coming from up there when I turn, in the past it was new bushings that solved that. Besides shocks, what other general maintenence items up there might need to be replaced or checked?

99 GMC nbs

5.3, 2wd,

ext cab short bed

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Depends on a lot of things. Do you grease the front end regularly?

I do every oil(5000) change or worse case every other oil change. I've got 138K and according to an inspection everything is still tight. I know others that have has ball joints go in 70K. I think it is a combo of maintenance, driving style, road conditions, offroading, etc.

Having said that, I replaced the sway bar links, sway bar bushings with a small improvement. Other items to look at include ball joints, tie rod ends (inner and outer), idler arm, and pitman arm, and control arm bushings. CV joints should be fine if no tears in the boots, if you have 4x4 that is.

I've been pretty impressed with my truck at 138K. To date I've done shocks, brakes, alternator, fuel pump, plugs, plug wires, battery and that's about it for non-standard maintenance items. I'm waiting for the tranny to go. It slips in the 2-3 shift and I'm sure it's only a matter of time.

steve99 · April 6, 2005

Thanks for the info!

I've greased the front end a few times but probably not as much as I should, may just have to take it in before too long and have the bushings and ball joints checked and see what else may be wearing. Don't really do any offroading but some of the streets near downtown Fort Worth are nothing more than pothole obstacle courses.

Bish · April 7, 2005

Thanks for the info!
I've greased the front end a few times but probably not as much as I should, may just have to take it in before too long and have the bushings and ball joints checked and see what else may be wearing. Don't really do any offroading but some of the streets near downtown Fort Worth are nothing more than pothole obstacle courses.

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With your truck on a lift, you can easily see movement if things are worn. ANY movement and they need replacing. Also, say you're pitman or idler arm is worn; probably means others are worn and you may want to do all 4 ball joints. That is, only if you are keeping it for a while.