I replaced my lower ball joints today, but now the CV boot clamp ears (ear type) are hitting the tops of the ball joints as the shafts turn and are getting worn off a little, as apparently the tops of the ball joints are slightly higher than the old ones. Is this something I should be worried about? If so, how can I remedy it? It sure is annoying...

 

Is this happening on both sides of the vehicle or just one?

 

It was on both sides. I went ahead and swapped out the clamps for double-loop type bands just to be on the safe side, and so that issue is now solved - no more clamps hitting the ball joints. But now there's another problem: a kind of a rubbing/brushing noise that's occurring in proportion to the speed of the vehicle, and is most pronounced when slowing down and when turning left. It makes the sound even while braking, so I'm pretty certain it's not the brakes. Rotors and pads are all good. I wouldn't think it would be a CV joint because, the way I understand it, those make more of a popping/clicking sound on turns when they go bad, but please correct me if I'm wrong. Is there any way to check this, or what procedure should I follow to pinpoint the problem? Thanks in advance and Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Update: I found that the brake backing plates were contacting both rotors, but mainly on the passenger side. Which explains why it was more pronounced on left turns. The plates are all bent out of shape and one of them has a large jagged hole in it down by the lower ball joint. Time to replace those! Thanks again guys, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!