While changing my front brake pads today I noticed an unusually high amount of play in my front wheels (more so in the right one). When I was taking the lug nuts off, the wheels would move 1/8 turn forward and back before they stopped. I don't remember them being nearly that bad the last time I took off my wheels. Does this indicate wearing CV joints or is it normal as cars age and nothing to worry about? Thanks.

Chris

 

'Play' in the front wheels usually indicates possible tire-rod end/ball joint wear.

 

happend to my car and it was the tie rod. Paid $30.00 for a new one and problem solved

 

:yes:

Have those checked out. Wouldnt be surprised given your mileage.

 

Ball joints (upper and lower) have been replaced on both sides of the front already. I already planned to order the right outer tie rod tomorrow to see if that finally fixes my irritating suspension clunking noise, so I'll see how that works. It does seem to be awfully loose. Thanks guys.

 

Have you basically replaced every joint on the front of your car?
You do this all in the driveway? Just wondering, I've been trying to find urethane replacement joints but I don't think it's going to happen.

 

Yeah, pretty much. Upper control arms on both sides, both lower ball joints, one tranny mount, one engine mount...not a ton, but still not enough to fix my popping suspension noise.

Yeah, I do it all in the driveway. I needed a friend to help me with my lower ball joints, he has some kick ass power tools to pop them out.

 

Do you think the popping could be worn bushings on top of the shocks? The last gen Ludes had a TSB for rear rattles b/c the top rubber bushings on the shocks would shrink and wear over time and get loose. Unless your popping is a worn sway bar end link, those suck to remove if you live in the rust belt.

 

Oh yeah, and I replaced every single rubber part in my right shock assembly h:

How would I know if my sway bar end link is bad? I tugged and pulled on it and it didnt have any play at all, whereas my tie rod was pretty loose.

 

I once drove around with mine loose and I had a terrible clanking and popping in the nose. But I fail to see how mone could completely wear out.