| Make: | BMW |
| Model: | Z4 M Roadster |
| Acceleration: | 5.0 sec. |
| Top speed: | 250 km/h. |
| Transmission: | 6 - speed manual |
| Design: | 3.2 litre V6 engine |
| Displacement: | 3246 cc |
| Maximum Bhp | 343 hp / 7900 rmp |
| Tires Front: | 225/45 ZR18 |
| Tires Back: | 255/40 ZR18 |
| Length: | n/a |
| Width: | n/a |
| Height: | n/a |
| Weight: | 1485 kg |
| Make: | Lamborghini |
| Model: | Murcielago R-GT Concept |
| Acceleration: | 2.8 sec. |
| Top speed: | 330 km/h. |
| Transmission: | 6 - speed manual |
| Design: | 6.0 litre V12 engine |
| Displacement: | 6000 cc |
| Maximum Bhp | 600 hp / 7500 rmp |
| Tires Front: | 245/35 ZR 18 |
| Tires Back: | n/a |
| Length: | 4580 mm |
| Width: | 2045 mm |
| Height: | 1135 mm |
| Weight: | 1100 kg |
| Make: | McLaren |
| Model: | F1 |
| Acceleration: | 3.5 sec. |
| Top speed: | 370 km/h. |
| Transmission: | 6 - speed manual |
| Design: | 6.1 litre V12 engine |
| Displacement: | 6064 cc |
| Maximum Bhp | 680 hp / 7800 rmp |
| Tires Front: | 235/45ZR 17 |
| Tires Back: | 315/45ZR 17 |
| Length: | 4288 mm |
| Width: | 1821 mm |
| Height: | 1140 mm |
| Weight: | n/a |
It started as a clicking noise as you backed out of the drive. Just a mild tap through the steering wheel. Sometimes it's not even there. But as the mileage builds over the next few weeks, the click gets bigger. Then it starts to morph into a thump as you go over potholes. A thump that turns into a shimmy. You jack up the front end and shake the wheels side to side--no problem. You shake them up and down. Big problem. There's a half-inch of slop on one wheel, though the other is tight. The diagnosis: You've got a bad ball joint.
NOTHING IS FOREVER
Front suspension parts eventually wear out, but this sudden onset of slop in your ball joint probably means a lubrication failure. But wait! you say. My ball joints are sealed--there's no grease fitting to pump fresh lubricant into. They're Lubed For Life, like it says right here in the owner's manual.Exactly.
You've just discovered the true life span of a permanently lubed suspension joint. The lubrication finally dries out, water intrudes inside the boot covering the moving parts, and rust and abrasive road dirt turn a ball joint or tie rod end into a loosey-goosey accident waiting to happen. Do not delay in repairing a failing ball joint or tie rod end. When it fails, the wheel involved will try to part company with your vehicle, and not quite succeed in doing so. This will precipitate two unfortunate events: loss of control at some speed, and considerable damage to the rest of the vehicle.
It started as a clicking noise as you backed out of the drive. Just a mild tap through the steering wheel. Sometimes it's not even there. But as the mileage builds over the next few weeks, the click gets bigger. Then it starts to morph into a thump as you go over potholes. A thump that turns into a shimmy. You jack up the front end and shake the wheels side to side--no problem. You shake them up and down. Big problem. There's a half-inch of slop on one wheel, though the other is tight. The diagnosis: You've got a bad ball joint.
NOTHING IS FOREVER
Front suspension parts eventually wear out, but this sudden onset of slop in your ball joint probably means a lubrication failure. But wait! you say. My ball joints are sealed--there's no grease fitting to pump fresh lubricant into. They're Lubed For Life, like it says right here in the owner's manual.Exactly.
You've just discovered the true life span of a permanently lubed suspension joint. The lubrication finally dries out, water intrudes inside the boot covering the moving parts, and rust and abrasive road dirt turn a ball joint or tie rod end into a loosey-goosey accident waiting to happen. Do not delay in repairing a failing ball joint or tie rod end. When it fails, the wheel involved will try to part company with your vehicle, and not quite succeed in doing so. This will precipitate two unfortunate events: loss of control at some speed, and considerable damage to the rest of the vehicle.
Description: A ball joint consists of a hardened-steel, bearing stud and socket enclosed in a steel housing. The bearing stud is tapered and threaded and fits into a tapered hole in the steering knuckle. A protective boot prevents dirt from entering the joint assembly. Ball joints are used on the front end of virtually every car and light truck. Vehicles with conventional suspension systems use two ball joints per wheel: an upper and a lower ball joint. Cars with MacPherson strut suspension systems use a lower ball joint and an upper strut bearing rather than an upper ball joint.
Purpose: Ball joints serve as the pivot points between the tires and suspension. Ball joints also support weight. On some vehicles, the ball joints may be used to make wheel alignment settings.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Many cars use “lubed for life” ball joints that can’t be lubricated. Replacement ball joints often come with lubrication fittings. If your car has lubrication fittings, the ball joints should be lubricated at every oil change. Ball joints, along with other suspension components, should be inspected annually along with a complete wheel alignment. The most common vehicle symptoms associated with worn ball joints are wandering, uneven tire wear, and erratic steering. Ball joint inspection methods and specifications vary, so have your vehicle inspected by a qualified service professional.
source : carcare.org
