Knuckle popping sound-what is it? How to fix it?
#1
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So, for a while now I have heard this knuckle popping sound. I hear it when backing out of my garage (slight 1/2" dropoff), and when easily coming to a stop sign.
Initially I thought it was my springs "settling." I have done the MSM coilover setup on my 1990 (bilsteins, sleeves, summit springs).
I went to my first autocross yesterday and had an absolute blast, but on tight left handers, the sound came from my left front side. And it was a prominent, loud, repeating sound.
I bring it home yesterday evening and take my wheel off, and when I moved the upper control arm up and down it makes that loose, popping sound. All bolts around the area are snug. It appears this boot has been split open and maybe lost all its grease? If you guys think this is it, what part do I need to order to replace it?
Thanks for the help!
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/suspension-brakes-drivetrain-49/73489-knuckle-popping-sound-what-how-fix-9is4uji.jpg?dateline=1365945413)
Initially I thought it was my springs "settling." I have done the MSM coilover setup on my 1990 (bilsteins, sleeves, summit springs).
I went to my first autocross yesterday and had an absolute blast, but on tight left handers, the sound came from my left front side. And it was a prominent, loud, repeating sound.
I bring it home yesterday evening and take my wheel off, and when I moved the upper control arm up and down it makes that loose, popping sound. All bolts around the area are snug. It appears this boot has been split open and maybe lost all its grease? If you guys think this is it, what part do I need to order to replace it?
Thanks for the help!
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/suspension-brakes-drivetrain-49/73489-knuckle-popping-sound-what-how-fix-9is4uji.jpg?dateline=1365945413)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/suspension-brakes-drivetrain-49/73490-knuckle-popping-sound-what-how-fix-wzxxrzv.jpg?dateline=1365945413)
#3
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Is this a fairly easy install? Looks like I need to remove a few pins, then remove their respective bolts...
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Also, it seems like guys with modded suspension such as ours are having problems with the ball joint? Guess this could be a reason for my failure, although I've only had my suspension on for 2 months.
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The service manual test for the ball joints specifies the following rotation torques:
-Lower: 4.3 to 13 in-lbs.
-Upper: 3.5 to 15.6 in-lbs.
You can accomplish the above by double nutting and using a small, in-lb torque wrench.
If torques are good but you have a ripped boot, you can buy new boots separately and replace them.
Usually, it's economical to replace the lower ball joint. The upper is part of the control arm (pressed-in and not serviceable). Given the price of control arms, you should save the upper ball joint and replace the boots if you can.
Separating ball joints is always a bit of a pain. The special ball joint separator tools work great -- but you need a different tool for each different shaft diameter -- and clearance can be an issue. The other methods (banging the side or pickle forks) require a BFH and beer. Gives you an excuse to pound on your car.
-Lower: 4.3 to 13 in-lbs.
-Upper: 3.5 to 15.6 in-lbs.
You can accomplish the above by double nutting and using a small, in-lb torque wrench.
If torques are good but you have a ripped boot, you can buy new boots separately and replace them.
Usually, it's economical to replace the lower ball joint. The upper is part of the control arm (pressed-in and not serviceable). Given the price of control arms, you should save the upper ball joint and replace the boots if you can.
Separating ball joints is always a bit of a pain. The special ball joint separator tools work great -- but you need a different tool for each different shaft diameter -- and clearance can be an issue. The other methods (banging the side or pickle forks) require a BFH and beer. Gives you an excuse to pound on your car.
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#19
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I used this hammer. You would be hard pressed to get a bigger hammer in there be able to swing. Also on one side I could not get the top castle nut off. The whole ball joint just kept spinning. I think I spent a total of about 3 weeks working on replacing the 2 ball joint. This was done in the evenings after I was done with work and school. You guys fail to understand what 18 years of salt and snow did to those ball joints.
#20
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I used this hammer. ... You guys fail to understand what 18 years of salt and snow did to those ball joints.
In addition to a BFH and beer, sometimes a third element is required . . . loud cursing.
Used to live in NE Ohio. I know your pain. You should see how clean the undersides of N. TX cars are. It's sick. I love it.