Lower Ball Joint Testing - How To Diagnose

[@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.

[@mateostudent7166]

2:36

[@Pookiestud]

Hahaha!

[@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.

[@山内淳カイル-i5d]

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

[@ANOTHERMFER]

@@山内淳カイル-i5d 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?

[@hepper7]

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

[@E2018-q2b]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@GodAnd_I]

I hate those things, along with bumpy uneven roads !

[@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!

[@Sagemeister007]

Happy New Year! Thanks for this informative video. My 2006 Toyota Prius is making similar sound on low speed, and I was able to narrowed it down to lower ball joint issue.

[@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).

[@jaguarsbeast4020]

Hello great video I’m experiencing this same noise my mechanic already changed sway bar links, front struts and I still have the noise I told before he did this work did you check the ball joints because I think that’s the problem I’m going back to the mechanics and show him this video thanks it’s a great informative video!!!!

[@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.

[@marcpadilla1094]

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

[@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.

[@arvina5749]

This is great!! thank you for this video. I have those same noises when driving over speed hump or small potholes and I couldn't figure it out. Googled it but i got some uncertain answers but your video gave an example of the "thud" sound and now I know what I need to do. Thanks again! I am not a subscriber you have some great videos.

[@rogeliorodriguez8518]

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

[@kart64silver7]

What about a creaking noise over bumps?

[@peterfranks7619]

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

[@phxrsx]

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

[@alundrasrt]

or upper strut bearing

[@Eirehunter22]

Or Sway/anti roll bar bushings,or track rod ends 😄 Can be a pig to isolate exactly what is the culprit

[@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

[@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

[@c22to]

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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@grayzzor76pg]

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

[@shawakimurray8825]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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 🥰🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@charlesholtzclaw7862]

You described the way and it sounds 100% right.

[@leesway]

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

[@robertwolfe409]

I hear a clickity clackety noise thats only heard on passenger side & from drivers side only hear it when passing walls/tunnels, up hills, in reverse(?), only in motion

[@MarcsAlot]

Did you ever find out what the clicking noise was? I've got the same sound, and metal clanking now.

[@lolz6788]

What about like a popping/somewhat rattling noise from rear as you drive even on smooth roads

[@doubleitp]

Symptoms of failed ball joints include: 1) Clunking Noises From the Front Suspension. One of the most common symptoms of a problem with suspension ball joints is clunking noises coming from the vehicle's front suspension. 2) Excessive Vibration From the Front of the Vehicle. 3) Uneven Wear on Front Tires. 4) Steering Wheel Wandering to the Left or Right.

[@leonarddroneview6947]

Curtis Braun I’m having an issue with my car where when I break on the highway I get a lot of vibration I have replace the rotors and pads still has not fixed the problem can a, bad ball joint cause vibration when breaking

[@doubleitp]

@@leonarddroneview6947 -out of round tires, unbalanced tires, brake rotors, brake drums, worn suspension (struts worn, etc.) Even an out of true wheel hub would have lead to shaking also

[@leonarddroneview6947]

Curtis Braun thanks for the reply I’m going to rotate my tires see if it changes I also have some pretty cheap aftermarket struts on the front of the car they have about 40,000 miles on them now Maybe they could be the problem

[@doubleitp]

@@leonarddroneview6947 you're welcome!

[@paralelmind]

@@leonarddroneview6947 hi! Have you fixed the vibration problem when braking? If yes, what was? Thanks!

[@carln1303]

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

[@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

[@joshmurphy9747]

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

[@Bo-tt8cy]

Its confusing with the sound of a worn out strut bushing. I replaced my whole suspension last year and now this sound started last week, slightly on day one but only a week later its getting extreme. I believe its the ball joint because all parts were premium except the ball joint. Premium quality ball joints were sold out so bought a cheap one.

[@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 ?

[@tiffanyjohnson3030]

I hv a thump under my foot usually when I break there’s something loose or if I turn a certain way

[@ravengarnet5967]

If you stop talking for a second we could hear it when you're driving.

[@tylertutt3141]

You can hear it perfectly, Raven.

[@thatdirtymichiganmusician1038]

It’s not that difficult to hear

[@hellonwheels4374]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@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

[@rbmtopgear7682]

Can a bad ball joint make the steering wheel vibrate at speed

[@relaxgaming8872]

I only get clucking when I move from a stand still for a split sec. No sounds over bumps or when I turn. It only happens from stand still as I step on the gas.

[@robertwolfe409]

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

[@TheCastedone]

My steering is very wobbly and I'm getting very bad wear on the outside of my tire. I dont have any clunks or anything but i believe the ball joints are far too loose on the front.

[@outlaw4972]

Tie rods

[@karinasleftknee1995]

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

[@bobbarker3248]

A broken spring can cause a thump or clunk sound.

[@MUHAMMADKHAN-pe7ez]

you speak simple English. you accent is clear and you do not speak fast. ur excellent instructor. you can make the viewers "mechanic".

[@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.

[@amiquinn5963]

So many different noises. I got into an accident and a lot of the suspension parts were damaged. Lower control arm, drivers side, sway bars, put new shocks. It's worse than it was before.

[@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.

[@Markbabb]

Dose it happen while you brake car is making a thumping noise in the right front I hear a thumping

[@midnightraiin4035]

love the minus sway isolation test!!

[@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

[@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?

[@jasoncatalan9676]

Can vibration be a sign too?

[@JulyRobbins]

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

[@Ambiguousmusicc]

Should have bought a 4 runner

[@JulyRobbins]

@@Ambiguousmusicc eh don’t like them

[@smoknbobmarle3169]

I been looking for something this informative thank you subbed too

[@martymckay297]

Too much talking not rough listening

[@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

[@gloglo1275]

Hello, I have a 2000 civic manual transmission. I replaced the whole knuckle with wheel bearing, and lower ball joint on the driver side. I also replaced the cv axles with brand new ones(not refurbished) on both sides. When I step on my car I hear a clunk. Sometimes when I turn the steering wheel I hear the same clunk.

[@CarsNToys]

Check the engine mounts.

[@gloglo1275]

CarsNToys Engine mounts and transmission mounts are brand new.

[@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!

[@patrickgumby2346]

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

[@CarsNToys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@colelaffredo3627]

and my sway bar bushing was hanging off the spot it’s supposed to be at which might explain the clunking for mine

[@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?

[@SidisterX]

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?

[@matthewwach7693]

Hey great video and tip. Definitely going to try this next time i jack up my car. Question though. I have a 97 maxima and when i take off from a stop with some force, i always hear a clunk...clunk coming from the front end. Thats the only time it happens. Any idea what it could be?

[@luismeza5353]

Matthew Wach You might want to get your CV boots looked at.

[@CarsNToys]

Second with the CV boots. I remember replacing mine (on the Maxima) at least once.

[@chrisoverbeck]

make sure to also check your motor mounts, usually when you take off from a hard start your motor will rock causing a clunk like that, i know,just diagnosed and replaced mine for same reason..

[@aayonce4]

@@chrisoverbeck thank you for that info i have an '08 accord coupe and i have a really bad clunk especially in the warmer months

[@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!! 🤣

[@2bsurreal653]

Great video you helped confirm my suspicion 💯🖤

[@ancientdiscoverys]

I am experiencing alot of loose steering. There's free play when driving in a straight line. Almost as if I am floating on ice. The mechanic told me my arm controls have ripped bushings. Will replacing these arm control bushings stop my wheel being so loose

[@CarsNToys]

It will certainly help.

[@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.

[@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

[@MarkMcghe-qj6if]

Would ball joint problem make car not drive proper, if I turn there is no drive at all but moves forward ok

[@oquenderebiqua]

Super helpful video dude.. thanks so much ! Regards

[@viscioushattermaid4410]

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

[@sempfi22]

Mine makes squeaky noises at low speeds (less than 20mph), closing the driver door, shaking the vehicle, etc. Never when I go fast. I just got a 2nd opinion for $1400 for parts and labor (2 control arm with ball joint and sway bar link/kit)? I'm seeking a third opinion, tomorrow. I don't want to continue throwing money away and the problem exist. My first quote said bad cv axle. Second, mechanic said it wasn't that, because it's not clonking.

[@zaneseligman1313]

Not sure what year you have - mines a 2012. I replaced the loaded struts, tip control arm and ball joint, bottom ball joint, tie rod and sway bar linkage. Then it developed a horrific ‘squeak ’ narrowed it down to bottom control arm bushing. It stopped before I bought the parts.- then (now) I have the ‘clunk’. I had to smile when you said you don’t want to dump a buncha money in it. It seams that’s all I’ve done. I have a 2 page list of parts I’ve replaced or had replaced. I’m normally pretty hard on my trucks - but not this one. This one has been like this while being pretty much babied. If you can get out of the trap- do it before you start sinking money it

[@zaneseligman1313]

Where you get stuck is that it’s a super nice , comfortable, easy to drive, big (if you like big vehicles) good looking truck. I think Ford has a buncha good ideas- just not really the quality knowledge to make it all work

[@manneredgrain2183]

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

[@davidsphone8449]

Thank you for sharing your time and talent. Aloha

[@D16-i7v]

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?

[@TehDavieRawrs]

Great vid forget the negative clear as a whistle makes sense

[@mrty22]

could this also be the struts?

[@richardanthony630]

My F150 truck shakes at 50 miles an hour and then goes away until 70 miles an hour what is doing that I’ve checked tires I’ve checked rims I’ve rotated tires I’ve done front alignment I put in shocks now they say they want to put in ball joints any suggestions?

[@amyshaw444]

Thank you so much this was very helpful

[@notbanksy8294]

My front driver side wheel is squirrely af, thought lower ball joint? But think it's the wheel bearing. Good vid tho sir.

[@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?

[@jameswaugh115]

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

[@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?

[@alfredo209ful]

Any time i turn I hear a squeal, any guesses? It’s only when i turn right too

[@aedgvv6095]

Good video, with a Supra, 215,000 miles, i have replaced brakes rotors, bushings, struts, ball joints and still have this problem :(

[@drewski0373]

Tie rod?

[@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!

[@Horano_official]

If you use at least one hand brother you could save lives and control your vehicle if the occasion arises where something happens out of nowhere

[@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 .

[@dariogomez1673]

Will my car lose control.. untill I can get mine replaced.

[@robertserrato3596]

My car makes a clunking noise when I put it in reverse. Also a slight clunking noise when I start to slow down at a stop sign.

[@SportsMusicCars]

trans mount

[@naephil]

Do you all have a shop out here in Dallas Tx?

[@Quest4Unknown]

Tie rods, ball joints are usually the clunk noise going over bumps n potholes.

[@karinasleftknee1995]

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