Squeaky Ball Joints (not steering rack)

[Van Diesel]

My van developed this squeak in the steering after long trips. 6 months later it now squeaks every time I drive it.

I've greased all the grease points. I'm sure this noise is coming from the steering rack. The PS fluid level is good and the colour is a light brown. It has under 120K on the odometer.

It looks like there is some oily substance on the bottom of the boot pictured in the video (passenger side) but I can't say there's a noticeable leak. It's only the one side that squeaks.

Can anyone tell me (based on sound alone:) if this is the rack and can I replace some seals or do I have to replace the whole thing?

[Big-Bird]

Horrible.....like fingernails down chalk boards. Have you had the front suspension checked? You need to get the torsion bar tension off the spindle and then you can properly check the ball joints by hand. Because the torsion bar is on the upper control arm you need to support the front end at the frame and let the suspension drop all the way down so that the upper control arm bump stop makes full contact. In all the years I have twisted wrenches I have never hear a rack make that noise...they usually leak or get loose or both!. My money is on a bad ball joint.....probably the upper one. Won't matter if you greased em, if one of them is bad it will still grind.

If it a rack......then call Coombs Country Auto...they might have parts or a good used unit out back.

[Big-Bird]

I had another quick check idea you can exploit.

While keeping your fingers clear of pinch points in the suspension have someone turn the steering wheel while you place you hand/finger on each ball joint...you will feel the vibration/grinding quite easily.

If you have a mechanics stethascope you can touch the suspected areas and narrow down the source of the noise that way....another cheaper method is wear a set of plastic shelled ear protection and hold a metal rod or long screw driver to one of the shells and then touch the suspension areas while your assistant turns the wheel. The vibration will echo inside the cup, sorta like the cheap tin can and taught string telephone kids make.

[Van Diesel]

Thanks for the info. I'll get back under there and try to pinpoint the squeak.

Another thing I noticed today is that it only squeaks when I turn to the right. Never when turning to the left. If it's a slow turn, squeak. If I turn the wheel fast, no squeak. I'm not sure if this helps anyone help me.

I'll see what I come up with.

[thedjjack]

I was thinking ball joints or outer tie rods...

You could also pop the outer tie rods and turn the rack and wheels independently.......

[Big-Bird]

Here's another example of ball joint squeaks. The beginning is just his tires slipping on the smooth garage floor, but near the end he slows down and you can hear the tell tale sound....very similar to your Delica....and note this one is also a rack and pinion setup.

[macro]

I had the exact same noise all winter, thought it was a bushing so wasn't too worried about it. It was also on the right. Then one day while driving down the highway it felt like a wheel was about to come off. For no reason at all. Pulled over, checked everything, all seemed fine and tight. Sat for a bit while I looked online trying to diagnose, went to drive away and all was fine. Thought it was a sticky calliper because the wheel felt like it was getting jerked around, assumed after sitting everything cooled and released. Happened again on the highway a few days later, very very scary.

Took it to a shop, lower ball joints! Apparently when they're worn they can pop out of their usual spot causing my death shake. Luckily I had some that I was about to install anyways. While I was at it I did the front rotors and bearings. A decent shop should be able to diagnose for free, but I would get those replaced sooner rather than later. I bought mine off ebay from Tiawan, they seem good quality and the price is juuuuuust right.

[Van Diesel]

Thanks for all the advice.

I had a chance to get under it while someone turned the steering wheel. Using my hands to feel for vibes I figure it's the lower ball joint.

From what I've read, it makes sense to replace all 4 ball joints now and only have to get one alignment. Assuming the other ball joints will eventually go in the next couple years. Is this true for Delicas?

Also, I'm familiar with working on cars but I've never replaced front ball joints. Are there any special tools required to get them off and on?

[Big-Bird]

With the torsion bar in the upper control arm there are some safety concerns to be aware of. Don't remove the torsion bar...allow the upper control arm to rest on its bump stop. With the spring energy in a safer location you can remove the ball joints safely. Support the front of your delica at the frame with a pair of sturdy jack stands and allow the front suspension to fully hang above the ground....you will need a hydraulic jack to lift the control arm back into place when you replace the ball joints.

Delica ball joints are bolted to the control arms not press fit. Follow the steps in the video then unbolt the ball joint from the control arm.

Here's a handy how to segment from my favorite car/truck show on Speed Network.


Check your CV boots too. Good time to fix em if cracking has taken root.

[Van Diesel]

Thanks for the video, Big-Bird, that was helpful. It's always good to know what parts of my van I can use a hammer on :)

I finally made some time to fix my squeak. I have the upper ball joint out but the lower one I'm having trouble pulling out of the suspension arm. I still have the hub/axle shaft and the tie rod connected. What do I have to disassemble? I'm hoping taking the tie rod ball joint apart will give me the wiggle room I need.

[Big-Bird]

The lower ball joint is inserted into the spindle mounting hole from above so you need to pull the CV shaft to get the lower ball joint out of the spindle....there is no other way to do this.

There is enough room to pull the CV axle by loosening the bolts at the inner CV joint and removing the C-Clip on the outer stub shaft. Once you open the front hubs you will see the clip.

The axles can be slid out without hub disassembly but since you're in there anyway you can check your spindle bearings and see if they need to be regreased.....ah the fun never ends!

Read up on CV axle removal in the Forum's Tech Section. Parts Source has a free loan a tool program and should have the 4WD Hub service tools....and yes they do fit the Delica.

[Van Diesel]

After not finding anything too clear on CV axle removal on the forums, I went back to the actual van and found the C-clip to which you were referring. It was hidden under a lot of grease... Everything went nice and smooth after that.

I really appreciate all of the help.

[Big-Bird]

One side the L400 is easy to pull the CV axle..(rt side).

The left side is harder due to clearance. Our UK forum brethren have a video on the process.