How to Check Ball Joints

[parimento1]

How do you check to see if a ball joint is about to fail?

[CBC90]

If you are taking about the CV joints, then get into the car drive to an open space.

Start vehicle and turn the wheel to full lock and drive in a circle if you hear any clunking noise then thats telling you that your CV joints are stuffed. Try this in both directions, and listen for any clunking sounds.

Way to know which one....

Right hand circle - Left CV is worn
Left hand circle - Right CV is worn.

Do this mini self test on your car and tell us the outcome

CBC90,

[ShawnM]

If your talking about balljoints. With the wheel off the ground grab the tire at the 12 o'clock and six o'clock possitions and see if there is any movement in it.

[Mr.Nutcase]

Originally Posted by CBC90

If you are taking about the CV joints, then get into the car drive to an open space.

Start vehicle and turn the wheel to full lock and drive in a circle if you hear any clunking noise then thats telling you that your CV joints are stuffed. Try this in both directions, and listen for any clunking sounds.

Way to know which one....

Right hand circle - Left CV is worn
Left hand circle - Right CV is worn.

Do this mini self test on your car and tell us the outcome

CBC90,

ShawnM what to know how check ball joints, not CV joints;
Ball joints are the part that joints the lower control arm to steering knuckle
Here the way you check ball joints
You use a dial indicator and check for movement, then check the specs in the repair book.

[parimento1]

yes I did mean BALL JOINT not CV. Thanks for the info I assume when I rock the tire up and down I should hear the clunk as well as play. Thanks for the info!