Jeep XJ: slow rattle feeling? Bad ball joint? Drag link?

[Zerkalo]

Hey all,

I went some light wheeling yesterday in Bountiful
Driving back on the highway felt fine,
but after a few errands, I sense there is this periodical rattling coming from underneath.

It's not a fast rattle, but very slow, like once every 1-2 tire rotation.
I can't really hear it, but the slower I go the clearer I can feel it from either gas or brake paddle.

what I did that day: I went though the mud pit a few times, went all the way up and hauled ass down from the gravel(skyline), during which I skidded pretty hard at a few turns..

So I climbed under see if I screwed up the ball joint..
While the lower left looks a bit separated, I jack it up and pry a few times, it was pretty tight in its place, so is the one on the left.
But then I noticed something else on the drag link and the rod.
But I'm not sure what to look and conclude. Wether they are shot or the real culprit for the rattle.

Anyway I'm just posting up some pics here, hoping people can help me out to diagnose the issue, or there are things I shall replace all along.

thanks yall.
1. Left ball joint


2. Right ball joint(pic is upside down)


3. Pitman arm and Draglink connection


4. A few on the rod and drag link/ rod end(right)



For some reason this one is uploaded as upside down too.

 

[bryson]

Your left axle u-joint is bad, or at least will be bad soon. You can see that the cap isn't fully seated in your first picture - it should be closer to flush with the ears on the stub shaft. If the joint is bad, it could certainly cause some noise, although I'd suspect it'd be more noticeable while you're turning.

Also, I'd clean the mud and junk from them and then pump some fresh grease into the steering parts - see if maybe you can get the balljoint boots to re-seat. Then have an assistant (the prettier the better) turn the steering wheel 1/4 turn back and forth while you look for loose joints/bushings/etc.

 

[Zerkalo]

Your left axle u-joint is bad, or at least will be bad soon. You can see that the cap isn't fully seated in your first picture - it should be closer to flush with the ears on the stub shaft. If the joint is bad, it could certainly cause some noise, although I'd suspect it'd be more noticeable while you're turning

I took more pics on the U joint coz, I'm not sure what exactly do you mean it should be closer, (PS I didn't have my wheel straight while taking the picture..)





BTW, when I turn all the way to either side, you can hear this hissing sound. It's especially audible in a parking garage.

 

[bryson]

To me, the u-joint caps don't look like they are seated far enough into the shaft. If that is the case, the joint is probably toast, and needs to be replaced. No guarantees that that is the problem (or even a problem at all...) but I'd check it out.