How to Check if a Ball Joint is Bad properly On a Ford Truck Or Any Car

Today I'm going to show you how to properly check your front lower ball joints on your ford truck or SUV .. and also how NOT to check it ...
Check out the NEW MERCH!!
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS JUST ASK!
** If the video was helpful, remember to give it a "thumbs up" and subscribe. **
Follow me on INSTAGRAM
/ falcons_garage
Twitter.
/ falcons_shop
Garage's Facebook
/ falcons-performance-an...
Facebooks Hobbies
/ falconshobbies
My Gaming Channel.
/ @falconsgaming
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Falcons Garage, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Falcons Garage assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in my video. Use this information at your own risk. Falcons Garage recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Falcons Garage, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Falcons Garage

[@Wokensmeed420]

So that's what that noise in my truck is from... Meh roll it till the wheels fall off...

[@ua7pyro591]

Prybar is crucial for this. Most shops/alignment "specialists" won't properly check using this method. Unless your wheel is about to fall off, they won't notice or care. Inspect yourself using basic hand tools, and save yourself costly tire replacement, and other suspension wear

[@samhoskins8706]

This is a great test for the Joe Blow consumer like me. I had a shop tell me I needed new ball joints for my E-450, but I didn't quite trust them since their explanation was sketchy. Now I can test for myself. Thanks!

[@jamesboddy8618]

I was failed for inspection and didn't believe the mechanic now I know how to properly test thank you.i was just jacking up from. The frame.

[@spiralhelix]

Thanks for this video! I am suspecting a ball joint issue on my T4R and tried the 12/6 test with the vehicle lifted and tension taken off the LCA. No play at all. Will test your method tomorrow. I understand this is 2+ years old, but it would be awesome to see the same test done on the vehicle after the repair (or any known good Ball joint) just to see how the LCA/BJ react to those same forces.

[@nancyterrell664]

Thank you, I was trying this with the jack under the frame. Once I moved jack under control arm, I quickly realized that the joint is bad. THANKS!!!!

[@sandrarichardson2713]

Super camera work!!!!! Thank you so much for explaining why wiggling the tire around doesn't always tell you the truth. I will check this this week and because of high mileage on the ball joints I imagine I will be changing them out. Really good job!! Jesus bless.

[@babybuluga1554]

Thank you Falcon. I couldn’t get any movement on my Duramax using the 12/6 test, but I swear my lower ball joints are bad. Gonna try this test when I get a chance. I probably couldn’t get any movement because I am on a 40” tire and 11” lift. I did have the lower control arm jacked up as well.

[@lanterninthedark8926]

Excellent advice sir. Thank you. I'm wondering if the same is basically or essentially true of most other types of vehicles. I know all are different and may have different suspensions but I think my car is very similar to this type of set up.

[@FalconsGarage]

yes .. this way is better way to testing them then the 12-6 o clock test

[@larrybragg4194]

Thank you so much bro I live in pa idk if your around but I been to 3 mechanic and they can’t figure out what’s wrong with my truck when it turns it scrapes vibrates and sounds like the tire it’s hitting but it’s not:( spent 3k in one day changing everything new nearly on the front it’s a 2010 f150 btw this caused the brakes to no even last a month and broke a caliper

[@michaelanderson-sr5uv]

Thanks for the illustration I was checking mine tonight but I had my jack up under the frame and even with that my at upper ball joint on my 97 Ford F150 I was able to see a little play so with that in mind so now I'm going to go back and jack up just control arm it should show a lot of play on my upper and lower thanks for the illustration I shouldn' t have the jack under the frame but only the control arm .thanks

[@FalconsGarage]

Glad it helped

[@paulc3749]

could a warn ball. joint cause a mild humming noise in the area as an early symptom??

[@FalconsGarage]

no .. not humming .. not from what ive seen .. to me that would sound like a bad bearing

[@Auriam]

Great video and clear explanations, good camera shots, clear audio. Subscribed.

[@FalconsGarage]

Thank you very much!

[@guitarprepnplus1]

Do you use the same process for a panther suspension? ...04 grand marquis.

[@FalconsGarage]

you can.. as long as you can put pressure on the lower control arm freely

[@valerietaylor9126]

Very explicit muy bueno gracias

[@brianhetrick1301]

Good video, subscribed. Keep them coming sir!

[@FalconsGarage]

More to come!

[@GlossyLake]

Great demonstration! Seeing as I own 2 of these trucks and I was testing them the traditional way, I will test it this way next time

[@FalconsGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darrenairey5938]

Awesome video!! Your checking the up and down wear of the ball joint which will always show first! Not sure why some think you can do the hand check without taking the load off these bigger suspensions! Great way of showing it!👍

[@FalconsGarage]

Glad You see how I see it!

[@jadshadowdog]

thanks for the information, i have a question for you.... can i safely jack my 2002 camry from the lower control arm while securely lifted on jack stands? this is to diagnose a possibly bad font driver side tie rod....... any help would be appreciated, thanks again

[@JD-im4wu]

I use the prybar on the outer end of the ball joint to see for movement easier on my jeep cherokee

[@seshachary5580]

very nice thank you

[@FalconsGarage]

Most welcome 😊

[@ashthomas5257]

Thanx mate! Very informative. Doing a safety inspection on a friends car, heavy vehicle mechanic, and I couldn't remember the details. :)

[@FalconsGarage]

Glad it helped

[@JerryWDaviscom]

Cool man, thanks. I have a nice thunk on my left/front. Thought it was a shock bushing until I watched your video. Your test sounds just like what I hear my left front suspension doing. I understand removing the old ball joint can be quite difficult.

[@FalconsGarage]

yeah some cars can be a pain

[@danmichalko2673]

Thank you! Excellent method and video.

[@silversvcs]

cool video. Does this apply to 2010 ford E50's also?

[@FalconsGarage]

basically all cars.. just another method

[@robertwilliams8974]

Really well demonstrated. Thankyou. Cheers, Rob.

[@FalconsGarage]

Thanks

[@dnlmachine4287]

Great vid. Thanks for sharing. Stay gold.

[@FalconsGarage]

You bet

[@jollyp1605]

Good clear video. Thank you

[@FalconsGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kunipshunfit]

Excellent info and great explanation. Thanks so much

[@FalconsGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cuz6657]

Fabulous video. Best I've seen. Thanks!

[@Hahehhwgajshah72726..]

Saludos de Sydney Australia hermano.Que buen video!!!

[@FalconsGarage]

saludos

[@scotthicks8338]

Thanks Falcon! I’ve been telling my customers at my Auto parts store to test using the 12 & 6 o’clock method, this is way better and I’m going to advise them to use your method. Ball joints are no joke man, I saw a lady drive off the road and lose control of her minivan because of a ball joint failure that almost cost her her life. Good stuff Falcon, I always appreciate your videos. 👍

[@FalconsGarage]

Thanks for watching .. yeah 12-6 position test does work but not always ... Glad you enjoyed the video

[@kings1048]

Best explanation. Does a bad ball joint on these cars cause vibration?

[@grbta1124]

Great video, thanks. Does this same test work for a 4x4 f250?

[@FalconsGarage]

It should, but they are much heavier .. so be careful

[@grbta1124]

Thanks!

[@maximusvonce1381]

If the boot is sealed and not leaking, the joint should be fine

[@HexagonFL]

What are the symptoms of this? Does it wobble when driving?

[@FalconsGarage]

Symptoms very. It could squeak, thumping abounds when going over a bump or metal on metal sound, tires been work unevenly etc. Wobble would be like on an extreme case like it’s about to break off

[@HexagonFL]

@@FalconsGarage gotcha. I’m having a bad wobble. I’m getting rid of my truck because it’s too difficult to diagnose. I’ve taken it to 3 mechanics it’s a 2017 f150 4x4. Thanks!

[@FalconsGarage]

@@HexagonFL could also be the bearing. 👍👍 good luck

[@HexagonFL]

@@FalconsGarage could be a number of things and I’m not investing a bunch of money into it. Thanks!

[@peterruiz9162]

Does the ball joint make squeaking noise on bumby streets while driving or that might be something else?

[@FalconsGarage]

yes .. it will squeak when bad

[@ralphmiller9503]

Dang you can totally see…👍

[@FlyingSugarCat]

Thanks Falcon!

[@FalconsGarage]

Any time!

[@richardparis8738]

Thanks for the information

[@ifonlythat1could]

This is why I love youtube

[@Bigkalitos]

Thank you for this video..it answers my problem with my ford.

[@FalconsGarage]

Glad to help

[@jesusmarin95]

Ey bro would that make the truck shake a bit going like 65

[@FalconsGarage]

it could .. but not likely

[@ldr4278]

Excellent Video ! Thank you !

[@FalconsGarage]

Glad you liked it!

[@SCHULTZEH]

Thank you...

[@giri4903]

Hi mate ,My car having a knock while going over uneven road surface. Its more noticeable during warm days but during cold weather hardly hear. Do you think it can be from ball joint? No other issues. Its f10 bmw xdrive.

[@izelllim7850]

THANKS !!!!!!!!

[@MitchZero9]

Yeahhh nice mate. Cheers from Aus.

[@FalconsGarage]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@GnosisMan50]

I spent $450 with a mechanic fix the knocking on my Mazda MPV and I still hear the knocking. I went to the dealership and they screwed me over $160 and I'm still hearing the knocking sound. Hard to believe these fucking mechanics could not figure out what was wrong. So now I have to take it to yet another mechanic and who knows if he can fix it. Never go to a cheap mechanic and don't trust dealerships. They can be just as stupid as the common man on the street.

[@al52269]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. New subscriber here from Philadelphia PA USA

[@rouge0449]

How bad is that play on the ball joint with the tire? I got new tires and looks like the tire shop didn't check the same way you did until I felt a wiggle on the highway. Checked it myself and viola! I got an up and down play on the ball joint.

[@eamonaugustine1262]

Your wheel is cupping on the inside of the right tire Flat spots

[@FalconsGarage]

yes

[@wisdomfromthewoods3638]

helpfull.

[@LJC5865]

While there would you be able to check the L control arm bushings with a long pry bar

[@ArmandoLopez-zp6kg]

Will this be the cause of my Wobble?

[@FalconsGarage]

yes it can, but not always

[@eclipsemx3582]

Buen video gracias por compartir tu experiencia con la mecánica Dios te bendiga

[@marcsongaudin8429]

Thanks man

[@FalconsGarage]

Any time

[@Stricker7792]

God bless, thank you

[@Resistculturaldecline]

That is indeed how it's done

[@ega0117]

What part did you replace the Ball Joint with ?Moog ?

[@FalconsGarage]

yes

[@rongrey2110]

What about upper?

[@tinhtran1309]

like that your ball joint is Ok?

[@FalconsGarage]

Needs replacement

[@leo3325]

Nice video. My vehicle has a clunk noise at left front. Test your method. I hear clunk noise and a small wheel movement when pushing left wheel at 12 only, not at 3 and 9 positions. But didn't see much movement at the ball joint when lift the wheel using a pry bar . Do you think my ball joint is bad? Thank you!

[@FalconsGarage]

yeah it could be or upper ball joint?

[@leo3325]

The vehicle doesn't have upper ball joint. Thanks

[@FalconsGarage]

@@leo3325 this vehicle from this video does have an upper ball joint. Not sure what your taking about

[@leo3325]

I mean my vehicle doesn't have upper one. Thank you anyway

[@acewilums]

I have to say great video

[@FalconsGarage]

Glad you think so!

[@edwardgarcia7176]

Will bad joint cause tire wear and shake

[@FalconsGarage]

Yes. It’s a possibility.

[@adanmonroy4541]

the ball joints has to have some movement not a lot but some other wise didn’t call joints !

[@FalconsGarage]

dont get your point of the comment