Ball Joints?

[B1Toad]

Replacing my shocks today and noticed a ring all the way around the inside of the driver's side wheel, looks like it may be contacting the upper ball joint housing. I can't get it to touch when turning the wheels and I can't get any real play in the joint but it's the only thing close to the wheel right at that spot. It worn shiny all the way around with the wear pattern/lines looking line a back and forth motion. Jeep drives fine, not a hint of death wobble. Stock Ravines with 30" tires.

 

[jonny jeep]

If the ball joint had been rubbing the lines would go around the wheel. The lines running radially make it seem to me like the wheel has been ground for clearance.

 

[B1Toad]

If the ball joint had been rubbing the lines would go around the wheel. The lines running radially make it seem to me like the wheel has been ground for clearance.

I don't recall seeing that when I installed the wheels a few months ago. I think I'll swap front to rear and see if anything happens.

 

[Unique Username]

I would put it up on stands and spin the tire by hand while turning the steering left and right to see what is toughing the rim. My 1st suspect is something is making contact while the wheel is turned. Not able to tell from the photo if you have any aftermarket steering or any other object getting in the way.
Did you recently rotate wheels by chance? Could that have come from another location and have you observed the other wheels to confirm?

 

[B1Toad]

I would put it up on stands and spin the tire by hand while turning the steering left and right to see what is toughing the rim. My 1st suspect is something is making contact while the wheel is turned. Not able to tell from the photo if you have any aftermarket steering or any other object getting in the way.
Did you recently rotate wheels by chance? Could that have come from another location and have you observed the other wheels to confirm?

The wheels I bought used and had new tires put on them. I installed them on the Jeep myself and didn't recall any marks on the wheel at that time but it's possible I missed it. Also the mark is clean and shiny. I have 2,000 miles on it since then. I'm going to rotate the wheels/tires today and see what happens. It does seem strange how the marks are not consistent with marks being made in rotation like johny jeep pointed out, to make those marks it would seem like there would have to be a rapid back and forth motion.

No after market steering components, all stock.

I should also mention there is around 1,000 miles of towing behind a motorhome in addition to the 2,000 miles of driving.

 

[mrblaine]

If the ball joint had been rubbing the lines would go around the wheel. The lines running radially make it seem to me like the wheel has been ground for clearance.

You have it correct. Someone was trying to build in a suicide surprise by grinding away the rim.

 

[B1Toad]

You have it correct. Someone was trying to build in a suicide surprise by grinding away the rim.

Maybe I should put that one in the spare position then and forget about 5 tire rotations?

 

[mrblaine]

Maybe I should put that one in the spare position then and forget about 5 tire rotations?

I can think of a lot of places to grind for clearance, that spot there is nowhere on any list of places I'd even consider.

 

[B1Toad]

I'll do a rearward cross 5 tire rotation today which puts the suspect wheel in the spare position.

 

[B1Toad]

Did the rotation and took more pics of the damaged wheel, very strange. Most of it looks like barely any material was removed but one section has some pitting. These Ravines came off a TJ in Flagstaff 2 years ago that had been sitting a long time, the tires were from 1993! I bought them already removed from the TJ and stacked in someones garage. Somebody probably tried to clean up something on that edge like corrosion and if that's the case I never saw it when I bought them.

I suppose I need to look for another nice Ravine if I want to keep doing 5 tire rotations, not sure I trust that one. I'm kind of surprised Discount Tire didn't mention it when they mounted the new tires.

 

[B1Toad]

Anyone deal with Collins Bros Jeep? They have some Ravines for $100 ea. The one in the picture looks decent. I need a nice one to match what I have, no junk.

 

[LONGJP2]

Replacing my shocks today and noticed a ring all the way around the inside of the driver's side wheel, looks like it may be contacting the upper ball joint housing.

What about a rock getting caught between the wheel and ball joint?
Guess the wear lines are going the wrong direction.

 

[B1Toad]

What about a rock getting caught between the wheel and ball joint?

I thought about that but looking at the uniform radial cut pattern it doesn't seem possible.

 

[LONGJP2]

It actually looks just like the rock rash I have on the outside of my wheels.

 

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