How do you check to see if a ball joint is about to fail?
ShawnM what to know how check ball joints, not CV joints;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,