Front end alignment

[Petescj]

So now that the Salvage Cj -7 is up running and inspected I decided to take it to the local Sears for the final alignment of the front end. The tech told me I needed new hubs to get it to pass. He said its loose so the hubs are worn. Im thinking if something is making it making it "loose" that would be wheel bearings and not the hubs. I havent jacked it up yet put he described it as play in the top of the wheel then the bottom and repeat so on like a loose wheel. Some nice new Warn hubs are $155. Wheel bearings not quite as much . Thoughts?

 

[BajaEdition]

Hubs worn?

is he talking knuckles? where the ball joints are? those can wear but you replace the races and bearings in the hubs if they wear, not the hubs.
Take it to another shop, But first run down to the local auto parts store and get a new set of bearings and races, plus a new one of those washers you bend to lock it all in place (sorry good drugs from the surgery, cannot remember that washers name) and install them, it is a easy thing and if the jeep is the salvage one it probably needs it anyway, while down there look at the ujoints in the knuckles and the ball joints to see if everything jives up and is tight.

 

[Petescj]

Yeah thats what I was thinking. He just kinda threw me when he said hubs. He also said the upper ball joints were borderline but would pass. How exactly do you check for ball joint wear? My Scrambler needs all 4. A reputable mechanic told me that a year ago. I drove it through the winter and of course it got worse. Heres a shot of the front end and you can see some of the "bad" that made me park it till I replace them. Sorry for the glare but you can see how far the tires are towed out. The CJ7 isnt nearly like that. Also this Jeep will be wheeled. Im thinking Moog products are my best bet. Correct?

 

[Old Dog]

The locking hubs would have nothing to do with having play. Wheel bearings yes. For the ball joints, jack it up and take a 2x4 under the tire and pry up and see if you can see them move.
IMO buy the moog, they are worth the extra couple bucks.

 

[dalefan88]

i sell nothing but moog for offroading. if people buy the cheapies i tell them i will see you after the trip for new ones lol.

 

[CJKrawler]

The way to check the ball joints is to jack it up, grab the top and bottom of the tire and see if there is any play. The tire should not wobble at all. I don't see how the hubs could have worn out. I had this same thing on my old Chevy. Had to replace the upper and lower ball joints to pass. If there is any doubt, I would replace those first.

 

[Petescj]

O.k. Moog it is. The Scrambler no doubt needs ball joints all the way around. I'll replace the wheel bearings on the CJ7 this weekend then jack it up and check for play like Cjkrawler said. Thanks for the tips and opinions guys.