Ball Joints: How to Check for Wear

The ball joint is a critical safety component of the suspension in all modern vehicles. It happens to be one of the most overlooked items as well, because the methods to check the ball joint for wear and play vary greatly by the design of the suspension.
Here I cover how to properly check ball joints found in two popular suspension designs: the MacPherson system found in most light-duty passenger vehicles, and the double ball-joint setup found on trucks and SUVs.
If you find a loose ball joint, replace it!
Enjoy!
Ivan

[@F.Krueger-cs4vk]

2 types of front suspension systems. Suspension system 1 has a preloaded "upper ball" joint. To check ball joint wear, place jack under center of cross member. Lift vehicle up so front wheel is off ground 2 or 3 inches clearance. Use a long pipe or what ever is available approx 4 or 5 foot long. Place under front wheel, lift up/down gently check/feel upper ball joint movement. Maybe get a friend to lay under vehicle with a torch help with diagnosis. Replace if any movement. Suspension system 2 has a preloaded "lower ball" joint. Check lower ball joint wear, place jack under lower control arm as close as possible to the ball joint. Complete same procedure as already mentioned. As rule of thumb, preloaded ball joint usually always wear first. The reason is because there are 2 opposing forces at play working against "loaded ball: joint. There's the spring pushing down wards & there's the weight of the vehicle on the ground pushing the ball joint upwards. A tip for ball joints that are in good working order with no grease nipple. You can purchase a hypodermic needle with a grease nipple on one end. Insert into your grease gun, push needle into rubber boot gently pump with grease till boot is firm. Do over grease as you can damage the boot & when you remove needle , grease will squirt out of needle puncture hole in the boot. Remember to place jack stands under vehicle as jacks can fail/collapse. Good luck folks with your front end diagnosis/repairs. 👍🏻👌🏻 cheers from 🇦🇺

[@SouthMainAuto]

Duh.... ball joints are not important here in NY! They are not even part of NYSI. NYS says they are not part of the steering or the suspension hahaha!

[@richardcranium5839]

ny state inspections have always been a joke. really not sure how you can stand to live in that state. move to pa you can see what ny does about 3 years later lol

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Yo Eric! I would say the the balljoint is an integral part of BOTH steering AND suspension! What were they smoking when writing those guidelines lmao?!

[@jdtractorman7445]

Agreed. NYS has some of the most foolish ideas. Bad ball joints should fail inspection all day long. What I get a kick out of is now NYS is so lazy they are installing cameras on the DMV computer that the inspectors are using so they can "watch" them do the inspection. Supposedly the cameras are not active yet though because NYS does not have enough people hired to "watch" them. Stupidity at it's finest.

[@naokimatsushima4979]

South Main Auto Repair Really? Ball joints are not part of SI? Silly government. I think every state need more strict vehicle inspection. Here in AK, we do not have inspection. 1/3 of the vehicles here are not road worthy.

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

In GA if your emissions passes you're golden...brakes, tires, steering, suspension, lights, wipers all optional :D

[@michaelherbert8213]

Lol, NYS cares more about tinted windows than ball joints during an inspection.

[@seppa6417]

Ball joints use to be part of a NYS auto inspection. So many unscrupulous auto mechanics claimed you "needed" ball joints when they were in good repair. Complaints to NYS of these practices forced the State to drop ball joints from the inspection. This occurred decades ago.

[@robertweir9034]

Seppa Now that makes sense.

[@MegaGeorge1948]

My brand new 98 Dodge Durango had 25,000 miles on it when both upper and lower ball joints were way out of spec. on play. The Dodge tech had the Durango up on the lift, checking the ball joint play with his dial indicator with the tires hanging. This kept the ball joints loaded and falsified his indicator test. I could see the test through the waiting room window into the garage. It had the torsion bar suspension like that Chevy. I told the service advisor that the tech was doing the test wrong. But he didn't agree. So I had to take my Durango to another Dodge Dealer in another town. This dealership diagnosed the ball joint problem correctly by jacking the lower control arm and then testing the unloaded ball joints with the Durango on the ground. They then replaced both upper and lower ball joints. After a year, these stock Chrysler ball joints had to be replaced again due to excessive wear. I took the Durango to a repair station (Sullivan Tire) and they replaced the bad Chrysler ball joints with MOOG life time ball joints. I never had this problem since then. Chrysler has had this systemic ball joint problem since the 60's and did nothing to correct it. Only after market ball joints solved the problem.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Wow, good to know! I generally use Moog suspension parts, and have had good luck with them :)

[@vincescalise4821]

They must use poor quality steel

[@jptrainor]

This is the sort of story, and experience, that drove me to DIY all my auto repairs. I got tired of paying for bad advise, low quality work, and repeat drives to garages and dealerships.

[@Chrismckinney1]

Chrysler ball joints are horrible 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@mikechainz2245]

Another excellent video Ivan! I've been a mechanic for over 15 years and I agree with all of your information in this video ... as a matter of fact this is the best breakdown I've ever seen great job as always !!!! Pine Hollow Diagnostics rocks!!!!!!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thank you for the feedback Mike!

[@thebigmacd]

Many cars with MacPherson strut suspensions don't unload the ball joints when hanging, because the inner bushings hold the control arm up against the hub. You have to use a pry bar to try to split the ball joints apart for testing. Older Volvos for example aren't supposed to have their inner control arm bolts tightened until the full weight of the car is on the suspension. This means when the strut is hanging the control arm is trying to return to level, often quite strongly.

[@pritchy26HD]

Great video my man. I’m a VW master technician and been in the game over 20years. I always watch you and south main auto videos as in my opinion you both are excellent mechanics and really help the DIY people out. Well done on taking the time out of your days to teach people. I’ve been out of the spanner game quite a bit as one of the 2 MT at my VW dealership as all my work tends to be the electric side that the fitters in the shop either can’t diagnose or need to warranty. My 2 favourite channels on KZbin. Well done 👍

[@RotoRCol]

you miss Scannerdanner allgreat channels

[@crisp8180]

This is a very good explanation of how/when the baljoints are loaded, off loaded. Thank you!!

[@int53185]

Even alignment shops in our area seem to underestimate the importance of ball joints in vehicle alignment. We had a Jeep Cherokee come into the shop with severe front end damage. The alignment shop was all over the engine cradle and frame to blame for the out of alignment on the vehicle. But a close visual inspection of the lower ball joint revealed that it was bent a few millimeters. The alignment shop was even trying to shift the cradle to get the alignment. Lesson learned: even a very small deviation in the lower ball joint can cause alignment issues.

[@emtscythe3782]

James Last here too, I get a couple a week that come in for a service or something unrelated that have new tires recently, I'll see wear and inform them of the bad joints and I get the " the tire shop said they were good " I'll take them out in the shop and show them. It just amazes me they either don't know how or don't care.

[@frugalprepper]

Wow Ivan, this is a really great video. Hope all is going well for you at the new job.

[@danjensen100]

I keep reading comments about his new job........did I miss something? Is Pine Hollow gone? What is he doing now?

[@elcheapo5302]

Excellent explanation, Ivan. I liked the Mercury and Chevy badges. :)

[@nukelauncher95]

Thanks for the video. I always wondered how ball joints separate. I never considered that certain styles pull the ball out of the socket. I thought that all of them pushed the ball into the socket.

[@Aguakangenchicago]

Thank you so much for your video I knew you had something going here, so I kept watching until the minute 19:00 where you show the ball joint free play or movement ,... incredible information! Love it,...Thanks!

[@stephenlawrence4362]

Hey Ivan. Great to see you back. Hope your new job is going good 😊

[@MariaGonzalez-ei1pv]

Great videoman ..1982 4 door cutlass supreme v6,3.8 front driver side I have a play at the 12 n 6oclock don't know what it can be !tire shakes at 55 65 mph on freway .helppppppp.you are a awsome Instructor

[@fredberfal1246]

i have a real hybrid suspension systen for you....... A 1953 Dodge with KING PINS. ...a real sports car. Fluid. Drive transmission. A semi. automatic trans with a fluid coupling and a clutch.....a real bitchin machine !

[@BigDog50001]

Excellent white board work there Ivan!

[@Diagnosedan]

Cann't believe it passed inspection!🤤 Wonder what had happened if this caused an accident!

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

I'm sure they have a disclaimer saying the state inspection is only to force compliance and is not intended as a service to the motorist, like that would matter anyways because...it's the state.

[@Diagnosedan]

InsideOfMyOwnMind I am an Inspector in my country, but if i signed the papers for that vehicle and an accident would happen. I would have some serious problems!

[@Diagnosedan]

@Robert Slackware common sense😁

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

@@Diagnosedan one would do that if they were trying to frame the shop. Can't think of any other reason for it.

[@baxrok2.]

Excellent explanation Ivan. I'd add that often the racket that the worn joints make is a giveaway. Ka'clunk! Last year I saw two vehicles with completely separated joints, wheel flat on the ground. One was a Honda. Thanks!

[@MrHemi4spd]

that's what I'm saying they just don't fget up and fail. they make a a pronounced clunk for a while before they fall out. if they are neglected then the driver has gone out of his way to ignore them

[@baxrok2.]

Yup.

[@johntube2525]

@@MrHemi4spd Some people are deft from having their car stereo so loud that it can be heard inside a building 50 ft away. That boom boom from the loud stereo covers up all noises. LOL

[@somerandomguy3868]

Excellent demonstration, often overlooked ball joints are a wear component, great video Ivan as always

[@Mercedesdriver2012]

Absolutely great explained. I tried in vain to check the play of the lower ball joint on my Mercedes W 163 ML. Would the second example in the video be the right way to check the game on a W 163 ML? Best regards from Germany.

[@herbertwatson1515]

lvan how your new job hope its good have a qustion where did you learn your labscope skills man you should think about giving class on the pico and other scope on the market man think charge 2500 for weekend class with real case study hands on the student must have their own scope man with your knowledge you would make a killing i thinking most people in the field myself include are ready to get into scoping just need to get hands on with it from someone at your level

[@SKANK_HUNT49]

I checked my ball joints on my truck and they were really loose. I just replace them the new ones were a little smaller than the old ones but I saw this guy on KZbin his new ball joints he was replacing or a little smaller so he tack weld them in. I did the same with mine and man those joints are Rock Solid now.

[@heyitschinoable]

MIKE HUNT hahahaah! ETCG!

[@SKANK_HUNT49]

heyitschino supposedly it's stronger that way then if it was the right size is what he says

[@stinkycheese804]

Mike, what often happens is the hole gets enlarged and the new ball joint was close enough to the right diameter for a new vehicle but now it needs an oversized ball joint. I mean that most manufacturers make both the standard size and one that is 0.006" larger diameter. For example on a Moog part # there is K8695T for stock size and K8695T006 for 0.006" oversized. Also note that you may be able to weld in the ball joints with sintered metal bearings (typically with a grease fitting on them or at least a hole to allow one), but it's worse to weld in the sealed for life type (permanently lubricated, so they say anyway) which has a plastic bearing which could be degraded by welding heat. Of course the other option some people would prefer is to just replace the entire lower control arm, then you get new bushings in it as well as a new ball joint, but some people are hesitant to go to the trouble of unloading the spring or torsion bar. Guess it depends on whether you want a cheaper faster fix to get a little more life out of the vehicle or are looking at long term use, or in the case of a truck, possibly heavy duty use with a load or offroading a 4x4.

[@SKANK_HUNT49]

Stinky Cheese 10-4 I understand what you're saying. I didn't realize they made an oversized ball joint for replacement. Thanks for the tip

[@Stover1928]

Wow that is very helpful never understood this for modern cars

[@kennypatrol2zero616]

Ivan I know you have a new job, but why don't you take a sicky, and do some videos, go on you know it makes sense, just 4 - 5 to start with cheers buddy.

[@GlycerinZ]

greetings Ivan from five years ago! I went to replace my axle and ball joint, after i removed the axle the wheel bearing completely fell apart onto the ground and my steering knuckle was trashed. I'm surprised that the car drove fine prior to this happening.

[@ronaldcach2779]

THANKS, You cleared a lot of questions I had, on the different suspensions. For checking ball joints. THANKS FRIEND

[@ronaldcach2779]

@Robert Slackware Thanks

[@robertgestier2013]

The Chevy truck drawing looks like a Jeep - the Korean war/ MASH variety

[@rahrah8076]

Vehicle manufactures should make sensors to when a ball joint wears..they have sensors everywhere else

[@konquerorx]

Thanks for this video sir! I've been basically branding, all ball joint diagnosis with the same brush. Clearly, a wrong approach on my side. I'm grateful these videos Ivan. Thanks for your help

[@davidthomits544]

We had a customer come in at the shop where i work at for an alignment just had rack installed from another shop when he pulled into our parking lot in his Tacoma left upper ball joint collapsed and found frame was not to healthy either

[@2secondslater]

Aint nothing wrong with diagnosing mechanical..... it is all diagnosis

[@jameslund221]

Will this make vibrating noise when turning slowly?

[@keving2371]

"Well theres your problem lady " 18:14

[@govhickenlooper]

Our balljoints are guaranteed to go 250,000 miles, just like that SUV, to keep your wheels from going autopilot and driving away.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Don't you mean 250 miles? xD

[@manuelsalvatierra2940]

7:20 I am confused. The sway bar is to keep the car leveled. At your picture, wouldn't the left side sway bar would put force down instead of force up? Kind of like the car is taking a sharp left turn, the left side wants to lift but the sway bar is is pulling the left side to keep the wheels on the ground? Enjoy your videos and knowledge.

[@dannymartinez8522]

That looks like all joint and your wheel bearings are shot

[@dinobot_maximize]

related tip: the lighter the car the less wear on EVERYTHING

[@steveragusa3289]

1st=Hi IVAN =GLAD YOUR BACK MAKING VIDS

[@hondaslave-kd6hi]

How would you check on a 05 ford Sport Trac 2wd?

[@chadharmon5716]

Love your cave man drawings Ivan 😂 and I caught the mercury mystic symbol on the first drawing lol

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Haha sharp eye, Chad! ;)

[@charlese.malone2594]

The key being the HUB has no load/force applied to it in any way and its allowed to float. If there is any play in the Ball joint(s) it will be evident. You first lifted the vehicle to gain Height clearance for the HUB/Tire from the ground. Then you compressed the lower control arm to remove tension from the Bump stop which was loading the ball joint. Removing the tension exposing the play in the ball joint(s).

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Yup that's the key point :)

[@carlosbah4623]

Very useful video.¡Gracias!

[@petrocksgarage]

Great explanation, demo & diagrams. Most people forget about the sway bar's effect on the system.

[@simclardy1]

nice video! artistic drawing is not your strong suit.

[@pingpong9656]

Brilliant explanation - solid video.

[@JOEZEP54]

Great explanation showing the pressure points on different suspensions. This was very helpful. Thank you and stay well, Joe Z

[@spelunkerd]

I've always found torsion bars a little confusing, thanks for the clear explanation.

[@AndyMechanic]

Great video Ivan - I'd use this in my lectures if I was still teaching! Great Job. Andy

[@ericcorse]

Good old physics 101 it has been 45 years. Well done.

[@Reaper1947]

Well that explains why my neighbor has had so much trouble with his older Accord . TheReaper!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

haha yeah I've seen more than one older Honda stranded on the shoulder with front wheel looking sideways xD

[@johntube2525]

So how do you check ball joints on a 2000 Suburban or a 2001 Silverado with torsion bars. Would you still just jack up one side at a time, at the lower control arm. Would this unload the lower ball joint, so you can easily check for wear on the ball joint? Before seeing your video, we jacked up both sides and then used a pry bar to try and move the tire up and down, but ball joints did seem tight, because they were probably still loaded. Left side makes a clunk when driving, but basically only hear it sometimes when accelerating from a dead stop and turning the wheel left or right. Tried driving on a bumpy dirt road going straight and no clunk. Tires are wearing on inside.

[@johntube2525]

Sorry, I watched again and saw the blazer does have a torsion bar which acts like the spring. and it has a sway bar connected to the lower control arm. You do describe why the joint is unloaded when you jack up at the lower control arm. You even say you have to wrap you mind around this system. to understand it. Took quite awhile for me to wrap my mind around it. LOL Thanks for the video and sharing your knowledge!

[@DanaSmallwood-o8j]

Outstanding video!

[@scflooring8658]

Great video thank you

[@SmittySmithsonite]

I've been checking all of them with the jack under the control arm. I've always owned trucks, and rear-wheel-drive V8 cars, so that's been ingrained for a long time. I never knew that the McPherson system needed to hang! I've been checking those the same way as well. Wondering how many bad joints I've missed now! Glad you posted this one! Hope you're still enjoying the new job, & all the fleet is running smoothly. :) I've had one issue after the other lately. First, a bad right-side headlight / foglight ground was killing our Volvo 940's engine when the high-beams were on! That was an odd one. Could tell right away by the orange light what the issue was. Ground had 7 Ohms resistance, while driver's side was 0.1 Ohms. I just combined the headlight & fog light's grounds, and connected them to the "frame" there that runs next to the engine, up to the core support. Fixed! But, then the next night, the rear door wouldn't stay closed! Wife had to tie it shut for the ride home, lol. Was pretty comical - newspaper string running all across the door inside and out. :D Was just a frozen lock - I worked the interior lock up and down, and that was it - fixed. Wish they were all that easy! Then, my '94 S10 plow truck's battery croaked. Gave it a boost to get her going, but after working the plow up and down a few times, that was all she could handle - thing died in the middle of my street (not registered either). Luckily I had another old junk battery that was less junky than this 9 year old one, threw that in, and got the driveway done. :) Never a dull moment around here!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

LOL yeah you have to think every car through based on the suspension design :)

[@themechanic6117]

Great video!! I hope the people who inspected it watch this video.

[@PaulCTownsend]

GREAT INFO THANK YOU.

[@PeterMMMMM]

Awesome explanations

[@fieldsofomagh]

Know of a woman and daughter who were killed because of bad ball joint.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Damn. At least it wasn't because of a spark plug defouler...

[@toploadtele]

5-Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@fhowland]

Here in Massachusetts for state inspection they only Jack up one side to check ball joints!

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

a LOT of KZbin videos show to jack one side only to check ball joints

[@apollocreed3549]

Great video Ivan. On my older Hondas with double wishbone suspensions, just tugging the wheel at 12 & 6 doesn't work. You gotta get into the knuckle area with a pry bar to check for play at the joint.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Or jack up at the lower A-arm like I did on the Blazer :)

[@apollocreed3549]

True

[@Mike-we3rb]

9:15 nice quality jack stands bro. Do you even jack bro

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

always an idiot

[@gabasta1]

DAM!! THAT MAKES SENSE 👍

[@josephcraig5878]

the joint is now loaded

[@diymisfit_Mechanic_UDX404]

Thanks for the great info. 😁 On a side note, the springs on the board of knowledge need replace due to some kinks in them.

[@cozzyinternet4706]

Cheers MR. PHAD!! :D Greetings from 2020!! Thanks for this very very important tutorial!! I've been checking for ball joint play on my sister's vehicle, and never understood why the tyre was always stiff..........because I was jacking up the vehicle on 1 side!! sheesh Cheers, mate!! :D

[@eventu08]

Very good and scientific method and display. Awesome!!! I had replace my front shocks by a TIRE PLUS shop here in Miami, FL and they did not even point out the left Motor Mount , left lower Ball Joint and Stabilizer Bar links and Bushings that need replacement on my 114k plus 2009 2WD 1500 Z85 v8 Chevy . Now, ...finding your Channel here just re assured my hunch of feel , hearing noises experience as a self repairs of my vehicles since 1980s. This was very good and re assuring have Chevy Silverado for such a long time now. thank you and yes i just Subscribe to your channel.

[@Live.Vibe.Lasers]

never really thought about it but having the opposing force to the spring acting to SEPARATE a knuckle from a control arm is just bad engineering..like they forgot about gravity or something. There must be SOME advantage to it, probably a dumb one that can't be justified reasonably, but I can't think of one. Nice explanation Ivan.

[@johnnyarmstrong2695]

Thanks for detailed description. I had a double wishbone system come apart without apparent noise warning. Thanks for explanation. J

[@curtgirardin6093]

Ivan, I watch a lot of videos from you, scannerdanner, and sma. Today, I was looking for a video on how to test for bad ball joints, Most of the videos out there are somewhat model specific, or worse, imply one way to test is good for ALL vehicles. So I was looking specifically for something that explained different types of suspension systems and how to test them. When I finally found your video among the sea of ball joint inspection videos, I knew you would show what I was looking for, and you didn't disappoint. And now it doesn't matter what vehicle I'm looking at. Now I can figure out how to support it to test the ball joints properly. Thank you thank you thank you. Best ball joint inspection video on KZbin, in my opinion.

[@tecnaman9097]

Excellent explanation Ivan. The Australian Ford Falcon and Territory early 2000's to late 2000's had the last design you explained. Lower ball joints could be shot at as little as 20k. I must have changed 200 or so in taxi cabs.Invested in an insitu press to change out without removing the arm. Absolute crap design but a good money spinner for the shop.Ford knew of the problem but didn't care...typical Ford hah..

[@shadowdog500]

Excellent explanation, diagrams, and demonstration! Chris

[@gerardclement3095]

Great video, very good course. I will need to check the sway bar links and following you video I think I didn't had the right approach. I was only jacking one side of the car at the time. For checking the sway bar links on a MacPherson system, I guess that we must use the 2 jacks approach, this way the sway bar will not induce compression or traction force in the links, so they can move freely, same logic as the ball joints. If you have a chance could you please confirm. Thanks again

[@amarinayat8879]

Excellent work! Thanks for explaining in detail. Please correct if I am wrong....For cars like Toyota Camry, etc the first scenario applies. For older f150s and expeditions with torsion bar based suspension the 2nd scenario applies. What about 2006 Nissan Armada and Titans, I believe they have McPherson strut suspension with pretty heavy duty sway bars..... What method should be used? Also, on the second scenario where lifting one side suffices, what role does the sway bar plays? Thanks again, for an awesome, well explained video

[@fredberfal1246]

dorman anything good for about 2.5 miles if you could ever find a good dorman part. Dorman is a. 6 letter word for JUNK

[@ryans413]

How did they miss the uneven tire ware during there inspection really.

[@naokimatsushima4979]

With all that said, are all 4 ball joints and swaybar links being replaced? I know this is about suspension system, but what about the steering system? Tie rod ends, Idler arm and Pitman arm? They are also important. Why not check them while you are there?

[@fieldsofomagh]

Your next job is where ?? Safety Inspection officer at state inspection headquarters. Knew I'd find the right job, sooner or later !!

[@eastbay40386]

Very good explanation but the video make me dizzy. Please use tripod. Thanks

[@throttlebottle5906]

my favorite way is jack stands under lower control arm as close to the tires as possible, drop and bounce vehicle, that has it as close to normal "ride height" as possible, which is where everything is most worn! yes it loads the suspension in case of struts, but grabbing tire at top and bottom (12&6) they'll most always move and clunk around. that's also a very good time/place to check tie-rod ends. recheck with it fully supported as you showed :)

[@emmashepard2070]

Great Video Ivan good information and examples. I've seen a person have her old van separate the ball joint and slam on the ground thank God it wasn't on a highway. As for the end explanation.. Seems obvious doesn't it? Your removing pressure from the ball joints but also having the wheel not touching the ground so you can check for play by the hub. I expect the same outcome if you jacked up the car by the spring and even removed the wheel. Possibly get better view of the bad ball joint, but loose a bit of the leverage while checking it.. Did that make sense? Who knows I'm tired.. Have a good one

[@ufartface]

our state eliminated inspections- just like free oil change places and 15 point inspections- they will always find 15 things wrong with your car $1500 later

[@robertdrugich8339]

the last two times I have had tires installed, they said I needed new upper ball joints. They were fine, and had the coil spring between the control arms. Those knuckleheads should watch your videos...Lowers wear out far quicker...

[@nbassmusky]

Your initial observation of the tops of the wheels laying in while being supported on stands as you have them is normal. It is a characteristic of SLA suspension and does not indicate ball joint problems. Also, the upper ball joint can be checked with the wheel off by prying between the upper control arm/ball joint area and the knuckle or with the wheel/tire supporting the weight and prying up on the upper control arm.

[@vincescalise4821]

Great video Ivan Hopefully people in New York State and Ohio Will check their ball joints

[@YouSpamTard]

I am back for a new pick on pine head, I mean hallow. :) I remember working at a shop and three or four of us tried to figure out a tried and true method for testing ball joints. We never did figure it out. We were busy and did not have time for such matters of such brain thought. The easiest and only way I can think of is to look at the joint (each individual joint) and to think how can I separate the ball from the joint and then to think how can I apply or remove force to separate it considering apposing forces are at work. I do not think you have accomplished your task of a test procedure. I admire you for trying and I know it is possible to have procedures for the many types of suspension. Thing is, even if you do have or get it all figured out, I know good and well my brain will not remember them all and it would take more time to read a list procedure than to just think in a simple way, how do I separate the ball from the joint which is exactly what your thinking of in this video. Good luck. :) Its kind of like figuring out how many different types of pieces are in a jigsaw puzzle. Hehe.

[@swordfish1120]

Very good explanation on the different lower ball joints and why some can be more dangerous than others. I have an 05 Tundra with the potentially dangerous ball joint mount that sits under the lower control arm/knuckle. I just replaced the lowers (with Moog which was probably a mistake) and I will replace every 3-5 years just to be safe. I also replaced the uppers with Moog and after pressing in the upper ball joints, but before setting them into the upper control arm, the stiffness of the ball socket was gone as I could easily move it back and forth. When I called Moog, the rep told me this should not occur and I lost all preload and the ball joints need to be replaced🤔. This doesn't make sense to me. I thought the preload of un upper ball joint comes with the torque placed on the mounting nut when installing? Two Toyota service techs confirmed that the preload comes with torque on install. Does what the Moog rep told me make any sense to you? I would think they should know their equipment inside and out, but I'm skeptical of this info.

[@andrewvillanueva4222]

Wow you explained that issue awesomely!!!!! Thank you. You and Eric O have some of the best videos because of the details!!!!

[@ronaldcach2779]

THANKS for the information, it really helped me out. THANKS FRIEND

[@markwheeler202]

Great job explaining how to unload the joint. IIRC, SMA has a video where Eric O. shows to give the wheel a shake at 10 o'clock and 4 o'clock instead of 3/9 and 12/6.

[@bbogdanmircea]

When you lifted the arm the car lifted from the jack stand ... also on the second schematic it looks like the rectangle where you put the jack stands is connected to the frame by the springs and shocks, but that is actually part of the frame right ?

[@workingshlub8861]

great video ivan...i still have the original uppers on my 92 chevy astro van...checked them when i did my lowers and they were still fine with grease fittings..good maintenance over 27 years..

[@ejay3439]

THIS needs to be the top search result on checking ball joints! I'm just starting out learning my own car and every video on here is like "just wiggle it". I'm glad I kept digging.

[@nicke2307]

The way i check them is take a set of monster channel locks and squeeze it up and down. They have an enormous amount of torque and they usually reveal a bad ball joint

[@throttlebottle5906]

I guessed at that year/mileage, they slapped whole lower control arms on. the bushing are usually toast around 100K and the cost isn't much more.

[@charleypalacios8311]

Good job Macgyver in explaining the laws of physics to consider when trying to properly diagnose faulty ball joints. Excellent!

[@shieldcracker]

Perhaps the reason you don't need raise both wheels on your Chevy is because one of the ends of the sway bar disconnected. But if the sway bar was connected and one wheel was on the ground, the opposite wheel lower control arm would be loaded through the torsion bar in the upwards direction. Note that this is the same direction of the of the force applied by the jack, so it really does not matter whether one or two wheels are on the air or if the sway bar is connected or not! Wow! Great video.

[@deweydodo6691]

there was a time I think ball joints had grease zerks , unlike this newer vehicle . And I think they even had a wear indicator when to service .

[@TheOutwiththeold]

I mean first of all what about the visual inspection? they're all torn up that would be an indication of they're bad or they're starting to go bad time to replace them.