1996 Failed Lower Ball Joint

Hey, all. Anyone ever seen the likes of this piece of '96 lower ball joint shaft? After 1,000+ miles of Death Valley and Nevada washboard and boulders including a bad Dedeckera downhill bounce, this broke. Luckily we were only 66 miles from pavement at the time. Highly recommend the Garmin Inreach satellite texter. Anyway, doesn't this look like a metallurgical defect? It doesn't look new and follows the grain. I'm thinking this is an original ball joint with 210,000 miles on it. If you haven't changed yours yet, I recommend it. Otherwise that could be you in the second pic below thinking it's going to be a long and $$ day.

 

Nvm, nothing to see here.

 

Fatigue failure - the "beach marks" (like when the tide goes out) show the progress of a crack as it has moved across the part. Most likely the result of machining mark (or installation scar) on the surface at the reduction of cross-section. This is the classic appearance of such a failure. The reason engine bearing journals can't tolerate a scratch. The rough area is the final "ultimate failure" where the section has been reduced so much due to the crack, that it snaps off.

 

Thanks, Steve! A good reminder that these things deserve preventive attention even if the play is OK - especially if you abuse them. Having acquired new OEM balljoints, I no longer think this one was original and have no idea how many miles were on it.

 

I decided not to go with OEM lowers when I replaced mine. Years ago one of mine seized up. It then broke the cotter pin & spun the nut. Luckily I caught it in time before the nut fully unthreaded & have a bad day. I went with Moog, they have zerk fittings & it's nice to be able to grease them anytime I want.