Lower Ball Joint Testing - How To Diagnose

After 8 years and 128k miles, the oem lower ball joint for this 2010 Subaru Impreza started to fail. I thought I'd show how you can quickly (hopefully) diagnose the lower ball joint for your vehicle. Typical symptoms include thunks, thumps, clunks, knocks and overall annoyance as your drive over any uneven road service.
We'll go over:
Lower Ball Joints
Upper Ball Joints
Lower Control Arm
Stabilizer Links
Anti-Roll Bar or Sway Bar Links
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Note:
Any attempt to repair automotive parts and/or systems carries risk of personal injury. Always adhere and follow safe practices when working on vehicles. Such as, safety glasses, jack stands, no loose clothing, etc. No guarantee or warranty is implied. Use the information in this video at your own risk. Carsntoys is a member of the Amazon Influencer Program.
Publication, reproduction or distribution of this film is strictly prohibited.
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#balljoint

[@billwilson6096]

That was very informative, I have worn control arm bushings and they knock like hell on any road imperfections but are very quiet on a smooth road.

[@hepper7]

It needed another alignment. They didn't do it right the first time. Much better now. Thank you

[@mateostudent7166]

2:36

[@Pookiestud]

Hahaha!

[@user-vu1rt6fd5s]

All my vehicles have had too much spirited driving, the plastic carpet always falls off. You have such impressive tools that would cost me 1000 GBP... but...I will still have a try and teach my girls. Garage men keep holding us to Randsome otherwise. Thanks for the enthusiastic sharing.

[@herunpersun646]

You have given me a lot of clues where to look for the clanking noise on my A180CDI, I am very grateful for your simple advise,which I did not get from the Mercedes garages Thanks again

[@smoknbobmarle3169]

I been looking for something this informative thank you subbed too

[@nomadicroadrat]

Thanks for the informative video. I definitely heard the clunking noise you mention. The mechanic has basically told me what you stated, so am more confident that the problem is the ball joint.

[@rogeliorodriguez8518]

I can hear it perfectly. Great info but not the problem I have. Good video!

[@c22to]

Thank you. So true. My car has these same exact symptoms

[@davidsphone8449]

Thank you for sharing your time and talent. Aloha

[@onlyonecannoli3952]

Your diagnosis mostly applies to severely worn out ball joints. They will start creating other symptoms before you hear such "clunking" noise...such as the steering wheel wandering slightly from side to side at speed when encountering imperfections on the road (this also applies to worn out bushings in the lower control arm, as well as upper control arm [if the vehicle is so equipped]), as well as vibration through the steering wheel.

[@user-je6ld8do9u]

Welp this comment just pinpointed what's exactly wrong with our car.

[@ANOTHERMFER]

@@user-je6ld8do9u gg

[@patrickdabs]

This is great diagnostic info. You’ll notice after a few ball joint replacements that the clunks only come after the ball has worn beyond the point no return. You’ll notice steering play on imperfect roads before any kind of clunks, but once they’re clunking they’re completely toast, and you’ll have a lot of feedback over any kind of bumps.

[@paralelmind]

Including car shaking when braking?

[@SiriusXI]

@@patrickdabs so my car clunks over bumps, seems to float around the road as well as the steering wheel vibrates, I also notice that all mirrors have a vibration even when not going over bumps and the passenger seat shakes going over bumps, would this have to do with the control arms being worn or possible having some bushings worn out?

[@carln1303]

fantastic explanation and diagnosis of a very common problem. well done.

[@jackmeredith441]

I have a 2010 CRV that started a metallic squeaking sound, which I believed to be the ball joints drying out. The rubber boot around the joint was pretty much collapsed, so I took a grease gun with a hypodermic needle and pumped grease into the boot / joint. The noise has decreased a lot, but this will only buy some time. It’s an old trick a mechanic friend showed me years ago. Wish they would go back to using grease fittings again but they make more $ fixing problems than preventing them.

[@midnightraiin4035]

love the minus sway isolation test!!

[@RMalai]

CarsNToys, thank you for making this video. I have a 07 nissan sentra and I have been driving my car with this problem (feeling all the small road bumps/ridges, holes with that thumping noise). On top of it, it also vibrates a lot. not the steering wheel, but the body. hopefully after I replace the control arms, front struts, may be the outer tie rods, and do the alignment, finally this will also be fixed, so I can have a comfortable ride.

[@peterfranks7619]

Great vide, I thought my shocks were worn out but took it to the dealership and it was balljoints front axle.

[@charlesholtzclaw7862]

You described the way and it sounds 100% right.

[@gabrielchico5129]

Very helpful video,you are good teacher!!👍

[@grayzzor76pg]

Got Same issue with my Audi,I will check all what you said,great advice for a novice like me!

[@oquenderebiqua]

Super helpful video dude.. thanks so much ! Regards

[@chavagarcia8390]

I have definitely had to replace the sway bar links on my Subaru, same year same model. The clunk sound way worse than it is, but easy fix . Your videos are great! Thanks so much.

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you! Appreciate the feedback!

[@perezote6846]

What Subaru do you have my man?

[@perezote6846]

I have loud clunks but not necessarily from bumps but it is loud, what did you fix? Thank you!

[@davidedmundson8402]

Worn sway bar links usually make a sound that is more like a tap or a click (and less like a clunk).

[@2bsurreal653]

Great video you helped confirm my suspicion 💯🖤

[@amyshaw444]

Thank you so much this was very helpful

[@josesoyelgatovoladorhernan3049]

Good information brother thank you

[@marcpadilla1094]

These are helpful videos to narrow down potential problems. Rising prices and green new prejudices can ruin your holidays.

[@viscioushattermaid4410]

This guy has some great videos on oils and filters too!

[@Hotterdotcom]

Very informative, thank you

[@obazaar3363]

The reason why all driver side ball joints are failing is teh city man hole covers. Thats why I always take the center lanes, it will save you a lot of money, it prevents tire pinch, bent rims, ball joint and longer lasting shocks. So keep center lanes and stay away from the left lanes and those nasty man hole covers that are never level to the road, some can have 1-2 inch drop.

[@patrickgumby2346]

Really helpful and a simple process to follow. Thank you👍

[@CarsNToys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@andrewowen5336]

Thank you! Very helpful

[@jkw24691]

Good information. Thank you.

[@mmpiforall5913]

When it comes to isolating sway bar links, etc, try using a rubber mallet, tap the parts to see if they click or chunk, using varying amounts of force. Strike from different sides and compare. Compare left to right sides of the car. On sway bar links be sure car is level or they'll be under heavy load. Don't use a steel hammer.

[@UkrainianBazooka]

Huh, good tip. I'll have to do that when I get my car up this weekend. Thank you.

[@mmpiforall5913]

@@UkrainianBazooka remember, rubber, not a steel/metal hammer, or the 'clang' of the strike is what you'll hear rather then the suspension. (also never whack the Cat, ceramic wafers inside will break) LOL!

[@niewojt]

My 2011 Accord sounded like a steering problem. It was the ball joints. The sound was like two pieces of leather rubbing together. For two years no one could figure it out. The dealership said it was the front struts. Another mechanic said it was the steering fluid. Nearly 2 years later after those wrong diagnosis the sound got worse. That’s when the dealership figured it out. My car is in Toronto and the ball joints were changed at 294,000 km. Replacing both ball joints and wheels alignment: $915 after tax (Feb 2022) at the dealership.

[@mbnbr0851]

Well said brotha thanks for the info.

[@leesway]

Wow cool that people can tell what's wrong based on sound and the situation

[@rebel.mma.youtube]

Amazing. Very very good video

[@nordmode9591]

Quality information!

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Hope it helped!

[@brentjodrey5114]

excellent explained video

[@PaulMcLove]

Thanks for posting ‼️ 👍😉😀

[@jadagreen23]

Great video Thank You

[@peaman2424]

Brilliant!!! Great tips.

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Glad to help.

[@midnightraiin4035]

really helpful!

[@marinddaaa]

Hey there, thank you for the very informative video, I have similar issue in my Vw shuttle t6, I am hearing thuming noise on uneven surface, I have changed the dropping links. But problem is still there. I feel while driving my van is going to roll down on turns and have less grip. Could you pls advise anything? Many thanks

[@rusticyouthbh6319]

Dude don’t stop talking to hear it

[@KikoLugo21]

Rightt omg he never shut up jaja

[@jamesellis364]

For the people saying they can't hear it you need to get your ears checked

[@njmenaceify]

he stops talking when he hits the bumps and you can clearly hear it

[@minecrafterselite1]

it wasnt that hard to hear even with him talking you tard

[@lizsines7846]

Exactly what I was thinking dude

[@KarlCudiCash3669]

Nice dude. Found this video just in time. I was getting ready to tear my front end suspensions apart to find the thing thunking and clunking in the same exact way you described in the video. I'm gonna subscribe to your channel now if that's ok.

[@oceanwaves83]

Well that is officially the first time i ever heard "I'm gonna subscribe to your channel now if that's ok" Lmao you're nicer than Stephen Wonderboy Thompson!! 🤣

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

GREAT VIDEO, GOOD WORK,TY

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Appreciate the feedback.

[@Enzor1515]

Excellent video

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you very much!

[@kewinjka]

Very helpful. Thanks !!

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to hear that!

[@shawakimurray8825]

Nice help I'll try it now tired of that noise

[@stevew6141]

Was waiting for him to pull out the roadkill from under the hood!! Would explain the louder the faster you go theory😂 Poor squirrel was like whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaa the faster he got!!

[@mrdave777]

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help!

[@vuivunaturagavou6877]

thankyou for your Infor

[@benjaminpietersen4630]

Thanks Brother..

[@nikkogutierrez5393]

Thank you

[@ezkempinkemp3467]

Thanks!

[@TehDavieRawrs]

Great vid forget the negative clear as a whistle makes sense

[@abebauer5561]

Thank you 🙏

[@samsonn25]

Yeah, is alot of stuff down there, struts, upper strut mounts, sway bar links, ball joints, and upper and lower bushings inner or outer tie rods

[@adewey33]

My 2014 Chevy Suburban only does a “clunk” sound when going from stop and go. When moving along or hitting speed bumps, there’s no clunking. Only when car is idling and you start to move , then it clunks one time at left front tire. I did that 12 to 6 tilt on the wheel, and it has significant movement

[@davidtrezelle208]

Thanks bro this may be my problem...one more question can a bad ball joint also cause short rattling sound when passing on rough roads ?

[@frandyabreu267]

Thanks 🙏🏽I got the same noise on my car

[@jameswaugh115]

Yes i hear it & my 2011 cadillac srx sounds just like that😮

[@selimduru9433]

goog job man thank you 👍

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you! Glad to help.

[@JulyRobbins]

Thank you so much! My Jeep just started doing this only 45k miles too ugh but again ty you helped me

[@joshawesome1557]

Should have bought a 4 runner

[@JulyRobbins]

@@joshawesome1557 eh don’t like them

[@wilborth5th]

Thank you for this great video, I basically replace the whole steering system on my old dodge van, and still have the pop noise, sure enough the lower control arm still not replaced, that’s my next project along with coil springs, thanks again

[@CarsNToys]

Happy to help. I did the lower control arms recently - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIilq4Cqj96Zjs0

[@kart64silver7]

What about a creaking noise over bumps?

[@kaibintech]

Nice video! subscriped.

[@bobbarker3248]

A broken spring can cause a thump or clunk sound.

[@stevepalenicek4690]

Thanks .cars always breaking

[@porticoman]

That’s been helpful. Just fitted new front struts, strut mounts, drop links and sway bar bushings which has done a lot, but some clunking remains. It’s wheels off time! Again. Might just give the car a Viking funeral and get something new. But where is the fun in that?

[@ricky-sanchez]

New cars are not as much fun as they seem.

[@ryans413]

Okay I did all four breaks on my car new rotors new drums new brake pads and shoes. Now brakes are nice and quite. But I still go a pretty loud noise on the passenger front wheel and little noise in the back but not as loud. It’s kinda annoying it’s really hard to explain but you know the sounds you get when you jump on a box spring bed. That’s what it sounds like the funny thing is I got the car inspected when I bought it and they said everything was good and I already had to replace breaks and tires. So I figured maybe it’s the strut cause it has a spring on it but all the struts look fine no leaks. It’s really baffling me and every bump almost makes the sound mostly on the passenger front wheel. It’s not thud sound it’s like a spring sound. Any suggestions would be nice thanks.

[@LukasDozer]

I have a 2018 Chevy Cruze LT HB Almost 19 miles. Recently I started to hear a weird "Squishy sound" at 5 mph speed like in a shopping center. The sound definitely seems to be coming from the front wheels and is NOT a "clicking" sound and it is "NOT" that loud. It is not noticeable at higher speeds either. This car has been perfect ,no problems,quick, reliable ,good on gas and everything. I have had it from brand new and have babied it and broke it in real well if you believe in that sort of thing. Anyway my question is do.you think this is the CV boot on both or either side? I am bringing it to the service dept. next week and I am trying to figure out how to describe it. I was looking for a video that might have this little issue. Do you know what this could be and also is a warranty repair under my 3 year 36k bumper to bumper repair? Thank you for your professional opinion.

[@WhoWhereTheBee]

I'm the case of my '93 Civic, it clunks when turning to the right, some times when going straight and not at all when turning to the left, because of that and a squeaking sound when the suspension goes up and down a bit (which you can fell even while pressing down the car) I can say that it is the upper ball joint, so I'll be changing the control arm. Let's hope that it's just that.

[@agoodjuan]

So do yo recommend to replace the entire control arm? Instead of just replacing the ball joint? I'm at 130k on my 2015 XC Subaru Crosstrek.

[@43Steelerss]

I noticed my end link (passager side) has a lot of play on my 2000 toyota corolla. And it clunks everytimes I hit a bump which doesn’t bother me but when I drive 100km on the hwy my steering vibrates a lot almost as if I could loose a wheel. Can it be it?

[@karinasleftknee1995]

From when you first start hearing thing, how long till you HAVE to repair it??

[@manneredgrain2183]

What’s a squeak from the front wheel when going slow thru pot holes?

[@clementmonametsi7473]

My Fiat Bravo does that...only when I take off slowly or when I am hitting on brakes driving slow (gear no:1). It has been some time now,I replaced ball joints and arm bushes and the sound was very low. It has been about 4 months and the sound is now as it was before I replaced ball joints and arm bushes. How can I fix this?

[@d.j.9961]

I have a 07 pontiac g5! The inner & outer tie rods are new, wheel bearing in new, the control arms w/balljoint is about 2yrs old yet, I can move the wheel left & right! There is No up & down movement, just side to side!!! Everything has been replaced & I don't see how a balljoint can cause my issue but, I am at my wits end! Did u have any side to side movement of your wheel?

[@charronfamilyconnect]

When I put my Torota Corolla in reverse I hear a high pitch screetching sound that at first sounded like a humming noice. It is coming from my rear passenger side tire. My brakes are fairly new and the sounds are not a grinding sound. It sounds almost like something is stuck in the tire, but I only hear that sound when I back up even if I do not apply the brakes at all. I do not hear that sound when driving forward. Any ideas what is might be? THanks!

[@sidthetech7623]

My honda civic 2015 makes a subtle clanky-crunch noise from the front right wheel when I go over speed bumps... almost sounds like getting off an old matress?

[@johnson36herbalife]

Nice video.can u try put cameraunder and more explain

[@absalonh1980]

I can’t figure out a thumping sound like a flat at any speed, fast or slow. The tires are brand new I know it’s not the tires, could it be the lower ball joint or the bearing?

[@lovelove9108]

Need Help urgently !!!!!!! My 2000 Camry at 208K miles vibrates/shake/bounce (don’t know how else to describe it) at between 60-70 MPH from front wheels and the car sway left and right when I drive on metal bridge at 20 MPH. I’ve changed both lower control arms, both sway bar links, both inner tire rods, new tires, wheel alignments, and balance tires in last two years. And I’m still experiencing shaking/vibrating. Thank you

[@ThaHandyman1212]

I have a 1997 Ford Mustang 3.8 liter engine. Front Passenger side making screeching loud noise while parked and slightly turning wheel. I sprayed wd-40 on the torn lower ball joint and the noise started going away. It went away more as I turned the wheel all the way left and right while stationary parked. Mechanic said ball joint good has no play. I put this red multi-purpose grease over the ball joints left and right. Anyone recommend a grease to use like a name brand to use? There was a thick honey looking grease lube shops would use anyone know if that's good for ball joints? If the rubber boot is torn how long will ball joint last? Thx

[@karinasleftknee1995]

My car started making that sound in exactly that situation since yesterday omg

[@phxrsx]

How does the clunking differ from a bad ball joint vs bad lower control arm bushings?

[@alundrasrt]

or upper strut bearing

[@codyjace6094]

I have the same sound on my car but only hear and feel it when my rear wheels hit small bump. Is it possible that the issue is really in the front wheels?

[@joshmurphy9747]

What would cause my truck to make a squeaking sound when turning or going over a bump?

[@Narucari]

Whats up! The same with my ford ecosport, but how Cam I know if the lower ball joint is the problem or if it is my steering knuckle, when I mové the tire, the mové of steering knuckle with lower ball its a lot, just like the lower ball dont fix with it, 🥺plis im. Wait for y answer

[@le0_b]

Christ, I replaced both lower control arms only a year ago and now the drivers side lower ball joint is an advisory on the MOT AGAIN! I can't seem to get rid of this knocking and clunking when driving which is very frustrating!

[@paulgilraine3127]

Think I have the same noise coming from the front passenger side just a bit less noisy on my car so it was hard to hear at times where it was coming from don't think I can do the job myself so it's off to the mechanic tomorrow , hopefully it's easy fixed I'm sure it's the same thing wrong on my car good video anyway .

[@mattway3496]

I actually wouldn’t recommend removing the end links. I have the benefit of a lift but generally you can grab the sway bar near the end link and push and wiggle on it and find the play in it pretty easily especially if it’s bad enough to make noise - more metallic clanky sounds over light bumps. But the nuts on your end links can be a real pain in the ass. They seize depending on the age. Sometimes badly. For the ball joints, a Large pry bar with the car off the ground can work similarly to your pulling on the bottom of the wheel . It might make it so one person can pry and watch the ball joint for play. I use the camera at home a lot when I don’t have a second person. Good trick for checking for spark when you’re alone.

[@CarsNToys]

Thanks for the feedback! Yes, the factory end links often strip out. Very frustrating to say the least.

[@Rob-kv3ry]

how would an impact fair on taking those end link nuts off, on your car?

[@justw4lkbesideme]

Thx sir

[@robertwolfe409]

Maybe its a wheel bearing & when replacing best to get both replaced right?

[@martymckay297]

Too much talking not rough listening

[@user-bb6eh4dp2i]

If anyone can help me not sure if this is my issue but I have a accord and every time I let go of the accelerator pedal I hear a clunky sound one both sides in the front. Can it be my ball joints?

[@christowns1510]

Thank you so much my brother 2005 Ford focus wagon I needed to see which one is my problem could you please tell me when I go over a bump it used to be a whining sound on the passenger side but a week ago that whining sound stop now it's louder and when I go over bump it seem like something from the fall apart under there now it's on the driver side like something send it come loose near the tire I have not had no one to look under there but I got four different opinions from four different people one said it might be my CV joints someone else said it might be my roto or if it my lower bearing could you respond back to me and let me know what you think and could I still drive it I'll be waiting for your response??? Thanks you so much my brother 🥰🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@n-motion9318]

Can Someone remind me the name of the song at the end again?? Ty

[@rina2012ful]

Thank you. My car has that clinking metal sound from the front driver's side when i drive on bumpy or uneven road. The mechanic said that it is caused by worn out ball joint and exhaust bar. I don't really understand what has that front clinking sound got to do with the exhaust bar. The exhaust bar i just had it replaced 3 months ago. I really hope you could enlighten me on this.

[@773Josh]

might be stabilizer links . this was my problem after bad ball joints repaired