Ball joints? Can I drive to station?

2005 FORD EXPLORER
4WD • AUTOMATIC
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POORGIRL
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  • 3 POSTS
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.
May 23, 2011 at 4:29 PM
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DOCFIXIT
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 18,828 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Whithout seeing can't say but advice I would give if you drive may cause more damage and a costlier repair
May 23, 2011 at 4:37 PM
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POORGIRL
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Tks...that's what I was afraid of. Well, back to figuring out the logistics....
May 23, 2011 at 4:49 PM
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RIVERMIKERAT
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 6,110 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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.
Jun 15, 2011 at 5:03 AM
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