My a-frame ball-joint looks perished and just recently I have started having this intermittent noise coming from the rear - not constant - nothing else looks amiss - nothing lose or broken I can see

Can anyone describe the noise of a worn out a-frame ball-joint ?\

Thanks

 

Mine made an awful creaking sound like a coil spring without the rubber isolator.

 

this is more like a periodic thumping / vibration kind of like something hitting on plastic not banging on metal

 

are your shock bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, and anti sway bar bushings in good order?

 

trailing sway bushings good - rear passenger shock leaking a bit - a frame ball joint boot trash

 

I was going to say shock bushing too. Don't forget to check the fronts. It might seem like it's coming from the rear, but could be in the front. My front L just started 'clunking' the other day. Bottom shock bushing. Don't let it go on too long, if that's what it is, it might ruin your shock.

 

Thanks guys

 

Mine sounded more like a bad tie rod end, but only over bumps or when flexing. It then got squeaky, the 45 degree unit with a zerk fitting is a good idea if you off road and flex a lot.