Hi, I have a 2002 blazer v6 2 door. My ball joints keep going bad every year, I don't do any off roading and this year is now the third time. This time however there is a rattling in near the front right tire when going over small bumps at low speeds. It is almost the sound your door makes when it is not fully closed traveling down a hwy. I called the company that makes them (McQuay-Norris, this is what my dealer is installing). They suggested the extreme versions of the part. I told my dealer and they offered to get the parts and install them, not charging me for the parts and half off labor. Seems like a good deal so I got it done. However that rattling is still happening (although it doesn't seem as bad).

Could there be another part going bad that keeps causing my ball joints to go bad? They checked over other parts already and there is no "play" in the stabilzer bushings, although they appear cracked and worn I'm almost thinking of replacing them myself. I also had all four of my shocks replaced 2 years ago.

Thanks for any assistance anyone can provide.

 

rattling could be bushings on your calipers, as for the ball joints going bad, switch to moog or raybestos. Where you are getting them installed could be torquing the castle nut too far, and it could have egged out your spindle, which would cause them to go bad faster.

 

Thanks for the explanation. I will also check the calipers and see. I'll post back once I find out.

Thanks.

 

I have had issues with a lot of aftermarket ball joints(Moog, Wagner) I found the GM Delco ones last at least twice as long. I could get a couple years out of them while running 33" tires.

 

I have found the Moog problem solver type of joint to be a final fix(with-in reason) and X2 to richphotos,if that shop isn't more sympathetic to your issue,then it very well may be their fault! But however there are other items that need to be inspected as a possible source for this noise! Upper&lower control arm bushings,sawy bar link kit and(god forbid) a loose steering box-I have seen this!

 

The noise turned out to be a damn hood hinge...gahhh. It really sounds like it is coming lower tho. But stuffing a rag in the upper right hinge solved the rattling. Thanks for the suggestions on the ball joints!

 

There was a recall/fix for that issue
Info about front end clunking noises - S-10 Forum

 

Interesting... I'll check the fix as well... glad you mentioned it. Thanks!

 

that damn hood hinge!!! haha glad you found it

 

amazing how sounds travel. I've had my share of chasing sounds that were not where I thought they were