Rear Track Arm play how much?

[Lapister]

Recently replaced one side and the new one has no real play when excercised by hand. The one that came out making clicking noises was really wiggly. Purchased another one for other side but looks to be Chinese knockoff and has just as much play as old one I took out. It wiggles freely by hand. should there be some give or pretty tight? I guess the question is should it be hard to force the ball joint by hand? Please advise, thanks,

[dghii]

I replaced both of mine last winter after screwing around with....
1. Taking mine apart, tightening up the joint and regreasing. No joy.
2. Low mile used OEM parts...No joy.
3. New TRW OEM track arms from Amaz_n...$107 each. Joy!

[Racer Boy]

If there is any play that you can feel, it's shot.

[Lapister]

Thanks guys, The TRW turns out to be cheaper than the Chinese knockoffs! $102 thru Prime! Shipping them back.

[jakeru]

When I rebuilt mine, I found a mere .005" radial play in the balljoint was enough to cause noticeable noise when driving over rough roads. So, practically speaking, you'll want no noticeable play on these things, and ideally you'll even be able to notice a little binding friction in the joint, for good measure - this gives some confidence the joint is absolutely tight.

[thstone]

Agree, there should be no free play.

[Lapister]

Thanks fellas, replaced with TRW -$102 and I'm a happy camper. What a difference! both TRW arms are snug tight and can't be massaged by hand (ball joint end). The after market knockoffs are loose as goose. Caveat Emptor.