Ball joints? Can I drive to station?

Tiny
POORGIRL
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
Had grinding/scraping noise couple times in front end when turning left in past couple weeks. Yesterday, had it solid left/right/going straight. Bearings? Need to drive 25 miles to dealership. No one around for a couple days to pick me up/bring me back. Can I go or should I tow? Thank you for any assistance you can give me.
Monday, May 23rd, 2011 AT 4:29 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Whithout seeing can't say but advice I would give if you drive may cause more damage and a costlier repair
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Monday, May 23rd, 2011 AT 4:37 PM
Tiny
POORGIRL
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Tks. That's what I was afraid of. Well, back to figuring out the logistics.
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Monday, May 23rd, 2011 AT 4:49 PM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
A scraping sound when driving, whether straight or in a turn is most likely brake-related, not ball joints. Jack it up, remove the two front wheels and check the rotors for grooves. You'll most likely find the driver side rotor grooved on the inside. If you have a parts store local to you and someone that can take you there, pull the rotors, have them checked for minimum thickness and turned if within tolerance. Then replace or rebuild the calipers and replace the pads.
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2011 AT 5:03 AM

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