Is this the lower ball joint and is it supposed to look this way

[brycebba]

I was hoping you guys could tell me if this is a lower ball joint. I'm stupid with the front end stuff. I noticed all this grease down the side of my tire on the bottom and when I push on that rubber boot it pushes grease out of a little hole. I'm not sure if that is a way to purge excess grease or if it is ripped.

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[454cid]

That's a mess, for sure. The tire is what bothers me. It's getting dripped on, and that's not normal. It looks like you could have a ripped boot, but it's hard to tell from a picture. I would take a small screwdriver and see it you can open up the rubber there, or if it's just coming around the outside of the boot. If you've got a pressure washer, clean that up!

 

[ChrisAU]

Looks like its time for a new one to me.

 

[brycebba]

So if it is ripped then that whole part needs to be replaced? Is it the lower ball joint

 

[polar]

Yes lower balljoint will need to be replaced

 

[brycebba]

Ugh. So is it best to do both uppers at the same time?

 

[MSCustoms]

The drip on the tire looks too runny to be ball joint grease.

 

[brycebba]

That's what I thought but it has been pretty hot so maybe that makes it easier for it to seep around? I touched the tire and that joint and they are both very sticky grease and are the same color

 

[skylark]

I greased the front end of our truck just before we went on vacation. About 400 miles later my lower ball joint did the same thing. I just replaced all 4 joints earlier this year. Chck the joint for play (none in mine) and replace if needed.

 

[brycebba]

If I recall, the way you check that is to Jack up that side and shake it from top to bottom. Is that right?