How to Diagnose and Replace a Bad Ball Joint

In this video I will go over symptoms of a bad ball joint like clunking, rattling, popping or squeking but also how you can remove and replace a bad lower or upper ball joint with some hand tools and a ball joint press kit.
Here are links to products which were used in this video:
RnW Ratcheting Wrenches: Coming soon!
Ball Joint Press Kit: amzn.to/2iqaoTC
PB Blaster: amzn.to/2jSDQSX
High Leverage Cutters: amzn.to/2jkJ35e
Snap Ring Pliers: amzn.to/2jLVEei
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchets and Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchets and Wrenches.

[@mr.grillo3385]

love your videos...they are legit teaching me everything I need to know. and helping me in my new job. wish I could be your apprentice and work hands on

[@colinaglae2605]

Thanx for going over the symptoms of a bad ball joint like clunking, rattling or squeking !! Very helpful !!

[@gotahvcls]

Mr RnW, I quite appreciate your demonstrations. Honestly, your instructing demeanor and clarity are top. Be Well

[@elk7046]

ive watched tons of these videos in the past few days and you sir i would like to thank soo much! you earned a new sub

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

Often the hardest part of a job is overcoming problems. Great to see this.

[@lauram.6505]

So informative! Thank you. I so appreciate having an idea of what is going on when I have repairs done to my car.

[@greygoosemafia]

Great video ratchets. on the two control arm systems you need to jack up the lower control arm up and remove load to check ball joints. I wanted to add that. i typically just a pry bar with those type of ball joints in the top with the pinch bolt bolt style. under the balljoint and brace against the frame.

[@5c0H]

FYI, you need to take the load off the ball joints by putting load on the springs. i guarantee that lower ball joint would have had play if you had done this

[@aros007z]

Great video, you are a real Pro, keep them good videos Coming. Thanks!

[@jimbola77]

excellent job brother thank you for sharing I love all your video's!!!!!

[@spelunkerd]

Great work, excellent video!

[@kyhomegarage3430]

Very nice explanation great editing of your video. Cheers.

[@ralphlapaix2817]

Excellent presentation! I am not a Mechanician just to know how it is done. Thank you for your expertise.

[@DadSkool]

Just wanna say that i like watching your videos. Its only a matter of time that i will be doing most of the jobs you make videos doing. If your there now, i want to change transmision fluid on my renault scenic 03. its front wheel drive and doesnt seem to have a pan like in other videos i have watched. If you havent yet can you make this video. Ill go check now you probly allready dd. Thanks for the effort. My uncle taught me that hammer trick when i had a crash a while back and couldnt remove my bent control arm, i felt a bit dumb afterwards as i spent half a day wondering why it wouldnt come off :)

[@hamza78]

Good stuff.. Like the explanation on inards of ball joint

[@wyattoneable]

Your editing is perfect. Nice recovery on the ball joint going in crooked.

[@paulmathias1908]

Thank you, great video and talk through.

[@scottouimet2865]

One thing I liked that helped me was that taking the load of the bearing and checking I had a very bad popping noise coming from the front right. I jacked it up and no popping now it was just the ball joint popping left and right as the wheels went from angled left to right. helped me diagnosis my 01 Quest

[@charlesholt5658]

Good clear videos & instructions.My 1996 Ford Ranger has 180,000miles and is in bad need of everything

[@Trident_Euclid]

Very well made video. Thank you

[@datdudetheyhate4121]

Videos are great new subscriber keep up the good work

[@vandalvetteworks8008]

This same procedure works well with the earlier PVH equipped 4x4 models from 98-00. Only difference on those trucks is that the CV axle pulls out with the knuckle.

[@Viper81766]

Great video as always brother . Thanks and have a great weekend :-)

[@0411julio]

Muy buen video ,sigue compartiendo tus conocimientos con otros

[@19211265]

Excellent well done 👍🏻 👏🏻

[@MrMitko-hc2sb]

Awesome video!

[@nixcoolfix]

Great video man

[@BruceLyeg]

Great video. Thanks.

[@0AlphaAndOmega0]

Hammer action!!

[@JohnDoe-ur8vt]

Nice Job! Real men use the right tools.

[@petar443]

Good video man..Can you make videos how to check outer tie rods and stabilizer links?

[@jlang8213]

great video!

[@madmadmickhog]

most informative mate !!

[@joem2197]

Great video. All you need to replace the ball joint. My ball joint on that side is completely destroyed. Not sure if I will tacked this job just yet. My 2004 Tahoe has 69, 000 miles and passed recent inspection. Will try to patch it ??, and wait until summer. Thank you.

[@myclubwagon]

Great Video!

[@rachid12364]

Sober well done excellent work professionally

[@geojor]

good stuff, thank you ...

[@getredytagetredy]

Finally. Someone that knows what their doing...

[@stephenlepek3516]

Great video!!!

[@debrasimms6821]

Very Explicit, Very much Appreciated video Keith! 🌎🚴⬅️ my current car cheap fix, not good winter car

[@luispichardo3003]

Good stuff mate

[@jessicaa.7503]

Great job !!!!

[@c22to]

Thank you great video

[@VintageVaughnVehiclces]

Very good I learned something

[@mushthepig]

I would never attempt this on my own, but this is a great video. Love the way you explain things.

[@dannynica7480]

I use to think the same way, and now i have done very much everything on the car

[@Fredjoe5]

It's not that difficult. Had to do it many years ago with little more than a Harbor Freight ball joint service kit and basic 1/2 inch socketry. It's quite doable.

[@we1come2thesyst3m]

​@@Fredjoe5 any tips? I godda do mine tomorrow

[@Fredjoe5]

@@we1come2thesyst3m Get a universal ball joint kit, it's much better than hammering on shit. Get clip removers to remove any retaining clips holding the old ball joints in. A lot of WD40 or PB Blaster. And jack stands. Other than that, the torque values for the nuts you'll be working on, as well as 1/2 socketry of the relevant sizes.

[@whitneyleigh3975]

I’m about to attempt to do this tomorrow on my 2003 Suzuki XL.7. Wish me luck

[@paulfaulkner6299]

Very good - educational

[@genericusername1365]

Thanks for your video. You cover many aspects without sounding overly technical and conceited or not technical enough and too simplistic.

[@tonytrinidad4409]

Excellent point. How i talk to my customers, so they can understand, but not to the point where I make them feel like a child. August 16, 2021 ill will have 25 years in all fields of the trade. So i must know something. Anyways I just had The Artist formally known as a welder tell me, talk to me technical terms! Don’t talk….” Rude. First time 4 me to be asked that. So I did, and wasn’t going to stop if the genius didn’t understand. Surprisedly, he understood all the college words! He was please and did make it easier on me, especially the trust issues Lol. He should, between Google, KZbin & dealing with 3 plumbing companies b4 me. He even asked if i was going to have to cut it all down lol. A CL maintenance man would of done less damage and literally 1/10 the fittings on the pex, nor 8” wide removal of foam insulation for 1/2” line. Not to talk bad . We all make mistakes and go to plan B sometimes but damn. Its a custom all metal “art” fortress. Mancave just smells of testosterone. The plumbers had to be service or drain cleaner plumbers/salesmen. Thats like letting a Walmart oil tech do your transmission without the experience or special tools. ✌️

[@RobertSmith-di5ll]

Very good video

[@doc2936]

Great video man hasta luego

[@YancySmith]

Would it be a good idea to have an alignment performed on the vehicle after putting in new ball joints?

[@leesway]

Pretty cool!

[@mohdkadayanallurcity5147]

yes useful this message

[@keithfrisell4271]

Another symptom of a bad ball joint would be the vehicle wandering on wet surfaces . Nice job on video. Keith

[@kingdomofjosh]

Thats very impressive. I can tell yöu know what you're about.

[@JasonSmith-qx3zh]

What about the aluminum control arm are they more compromise by the hammer method?????

[@MaxKalin]

thank you for "thinking out of the box" video =)

[@jrbjr12345]

Excellent video. Very detailed so Anyo,Evan follow....,,

[@curtisrich7372]

Noticed the lower ball joint on my car, the boot to hold the grease isn't even there anymore. Hasn't affected driving but is this something I should replace right away or wait until I feel issues with steering or noises? And should both lower ball joints be replaced at the same time as well as upper ball joints?

[@Dr2009king]

I think you forgot to compress the snap ring, it's still loose, great info .

[@tonytrinidad4409]

Good eye. Right after he installed the new ball joint snap ring, he said the rest is the same as reversal removal & he do it off camera. To make sure we use new ring & torque nuts down to its make and model specifications. If your taking about tightness of ring, it looked like it snapped fine to me but then again I’m watching from a phone an inch from face.

[@johnnyrotton40]

Great video Great shirt I wear the grey striped

[@swss12]

the knuckle hammering is interesting. i will do that next time

[@2Jeezuzisreal]

Most people never check them. Ive had a few tie rods ends fall off. Screech ! I pounded on a pitmen arm for hours using a fork and torch and nothing moves. As a kid i drove brake pads till they cut threw the disk into the ribs. At age 16 My first VW had only a emergency brake. I had a brake line squirt fluid on the muffler causes huge white smoke. My dads 60 chev impala had bad shocks, front tires bounced like basketballs and i went in ditch. I drove my 57 chev with no windshield. Burn oil so fast i got used oil and poured it in. Glug glug. Never replace old struts i drill and fill with oil. Use hose clamp and a piece of rubber on the hole. Drill one inch from top for air cushion.

[@gearhead598]

What brand of ball joint do you use as oem replacement?

[@alangrant5278]

My 08 ranger has lower ball joints that are pressed in. They are bolted on with 4 bolts. Just as well I didn’t buy a press before starting.

[@dannynica7480]

I had a ball joint that made so much noise. I tried moving the wheel like that and did not saw much movement. But it was the ball joint at the end

[@sanramondublin]

thanks excellent educational video, specially the trick fixing uneven press fit. What is your name ? where do i find your name?

[@Mandinka711]

Great video as always. I have replaced both ball joints, strut mounts from and rear and still have knocking noises over bumps. what's next, struts, tie rod ends ? Audi A3, 2006

[@Steve_1970]

check your anti-roll bar bushes could be them will hope this helps

[@Mandinka711]

stevemostwanted Thanks, I wondered about those but they're pretty inaccessible and need triple square bits.....an excuse to buy tools !

[@keyandaneshmand9915]

Grateful useful foul

[@SamuelHollandsh]

just want to say, "Good Job". May the good Lord bless u and family. 🙂

[@thelegendkillersshittyduff1335]

If he's real but pretty sure he's not

[@jacobgreen6939]

I have an idler arm that's brand new but sitting around for a while and the ball joint rusted so it doesn't move. I've heated it with a torch sprayed PB blaster tried to disintegrate the rust with vinegar pounded on it with a hammer. is there any way to unstick a brand new freezed ball joint on an idler arm? I'm poor and would rather not have to buy a new one if I can get a few years use out of it.

[@THEPLANETEARTH]

Is there any other sound these things make when they are FIRST wearing out?

[@debrasimms6821]

So if left until Repaired, will bad control arm damage all connected parts?

[@willienunez5280]

Would it be alright if you didn't drive ball joint all the way to the top in control arm but far enough for the ring to go on. (asking for a friend 😉 willie)

[@steelhead197]

“So....what is the hell”??? Bahahahaha great vid my friend! Informative and funny! You French Canadian? 🇨🇦😋

[@kiranbelavanaki3944]

Like from Hubli Karnataka India

[@debrasimms6821]

My son has 99 Corolla & he has parts to fix 12/7/19 but he's still driving to work every day.He thinks he needs CV Joint,I don't. the Right caliper is scoring the Rotor & I fear doing damage to every part connected to control arm?

[@kris8263]

Nice video. Installing balljoints can be tricky so it would be a good idea to show how to prevent them from spinning during installation. Also PB on the balljoints during removal is an overkill imo.

[@eksine]

just FYI I'm pretty sure there is no such thing as an ABS sensor. it is simply a speed sensor. the abs computer calculates slip after reading the speed off of 2 or more wheels.

[@cartertaylor6776]

Thanks for the video. Brought my 2007 F150 to the dudes at the local tire shop, had it all narrowed down to either the front or the lower ball joints maybe even the upper control are but they claimed I was totally fine and that fords are just "squeaky" when they get older. After a few more days of the OBNOXIOUSLY sketchy sounding, "what in the hoopty drivin ass", head breaking "dO yOu HeAr ThAt TrUcK?" you explained it to a T. I have always done the obvious STEP1. jack tire up off ground STEP2. shake tire STEP3. If tire doesn't shake you are good. STEP4. STILL SQUEAKS. WHY. But you followed up on that. thanks man, i'm typing this on a grave yard shift so i have time to ramble on about dumb shit hah.

[@voeunsavothy508]

what about shaking upon acceleration? Ive already replaced all motor mounts. I jacked up both sides and no play. I don't know whats wrong

[@tomasgaspar8065]

Could be an engine misfire...any codes show up?

[@norlinblack5017]

One more thing a breaker bar that is over two feet long or a ratchet makes it where u don’t have to strain when pressing the new ball joint in.

[@valentinavendano2972]

good joop

[@IngeniousOutdoors]

Question. Will a bad ball joint cause the vehicle to shake when it gets up to like 60mph? I've allready had all my tires checked and rotated and balanced and the calipers and brakes are fine as is the bearing. Yet when I get up to speed, the truck starts shaking. I can't figure out where it's coming from and I DO have inner tire wear on my front right tire, but nothing has any play in it. THIS IS. DRIVING ME CRAZY! PLEASE HELP!

[@tomasgaspar8065]

Could be an alignment issue

[@mddell58]

Very detailed, but simple terms. I assume same would go for cars, too? If a person does not have a press, how could they get that in there? Also, how long did it take you to replace one ball joint? Thanks for sharing!

[@Jursaw]

You can borrow this ball joint press from auto parts store

[@mddell58]

Jursaw Ah!! Didn't know they'd loan that, too! Thanks.

[@Mandinka711]

Usually their sales counters have a plastic pad with pictures of everything they rent. You pay a deposit equal to the amount it would cost to buy the tool then when you return it with the receipt, within 30 days, they refund your money. They have all kinds of "one time only" tools that you just wouldn't want to actually own as a weekend warrior.

[@Jursaw]

Will Beames Just have to make sure all of the parts to a tool are there before you rent it because if you return it with a missing piece, they could charge you.

[@mddell58]

Will Beames Awesome! Thanks.

[@tonycervantes4816]

So when I move of wheels side to of.left or to of right is of bolt joints??

[@christianrosarioRC]

Just finished this job on an explorer with a similar suspension design and I used a ball joint press for everything, I now feel silly for not just using a hammer for everything lol

[@JonnyDIY]

lol, ball joint press is nice though. You dont mar up the steering knuckle or control arms

[@christianrosarioRC]

Jonny DIY oh yeah that's true I guess one should always use a ball joint press especially when Autozone rents them for free

[@JonnyDIY]

so true, I def take advantage of Autozone's Loan-A-Tool Program

[@Tsuter1978]

Jonny DIY the problem with that particular press is what you see in the video, that c-arm is no longer true to the original shape and has deflected enough that the ball joint goes in crooked, hence the need for the floor jack. I've been there, done that, but finally figured out that snap on makes a press, and it actually works properly. It's one of the few tools where I would spend the money to purchase it in lieu on the less expensive options. It is amazing how much nicer it seats the ball joints when pressing them back in. They go in flush. Not trying to bash the guy, but it's a good example of where the right tool would've made the job much easier.

[@christianrosarioRC]

Tsuter1978 oh didn't know that, snap on is great but sometimes you just have to use what you have :)

[@sonnytrejo2403]

A little more pB action ✋😂

[@Jursaw]

Great video. I have a bad lower driver's side ball joint and it squeaks really loud but there's no play in it.

[@JonnyDIY]

try adding some grease to the zerk fitting if it has one. If its a toyota probably doesnt have the zerk fitting if oem. But you can get a needle attachment for grease gun and fill up the boot and should be good to go as long as the ball joint isnt showing lots of wear other than that

[@Jursaw]

Jonny DIY I got tired of those ball joints so I gave my arm and leg to purchase original toyota lower ball joints for both sides. They have a plug that you can unscrew to put in a zerk fitting. Nice that toyota included that even though it was at a premium

[@JonnyDIY]

Ohh nice, yeah its good to have quality ball joints. Ive heard of a lot of failures with some non oem replacement bj's. Yeah I dont know why they dont put zerk fittings on all bj's.

[@Jursaw]

They don't put them in all of the ball joints because they want to save money.

[@JonnyDIY]

pfffttt these companies are soooo cheap these days! its pathetic

[@DoxNocon]

Hey love your content and would love to suport you! i hope you open a patreon soon so you can get better equipment for shooting your videos an stuff ;))

[@myRatchets]

I used to have a patreon but closed it due to lack of support. It's ok, my channel is doing well. I do appreciate the gesture though.

[@arrya5372]

PB action 4 LIFE!!!!

[@marks7352]

What if the castle nut is stuck and the whole bolt turns?.... Would that mean a bad ball joint or somebody tightened down to much?.... Thanks

[@dianjagdeo282]

Cud the ball joint fall out when it is bad?

[@kevinogden6854]

yeah it happened to me once

[@artsnow8872]

Before turning the wheels to listen for the ball joint squeak, place two squares of wood under each tire. Thus, when you turn the wheels, you won't be hearing the tires squeal on the floor. Any squeal will be the ball joint.

[@wutdafeezi]

If the car is hard to steer would that be a indicator for a bad lower ball joint?

[@elk7046]

sounds more like power steering issue. Leak, bad pump, or bad hoses i would check for starters.

[@justinbouy3153]

Are your ratchets Pro or mid-grade?

[@wvadam]

Anyone know if these come pre-greased when they come with the grease fitting? or do you need to have a grease gun to "fill it up" with grease when you install it? I don't have a grease gun so if this is the case would prefer to buy the non-greaseable type.

[@vandalvetteworks8008]

They have some grease inside, but you still need to replace it with fresh grease.

[@robertoyoliviamartinez6271]

Que chingon

[@businessraptor134]

The spindle of the balljoint burst through the cap and now the cup is stuck in my knuckle. 01 civic. I really dont want to grand and dremel this dame thibg to bits to get it out. Any tips?

[@businessraptor134]

I'm so sick of working on my cars. The pos government office are letting our fing roads crumble so it's as rough os offroading on road and its chewing my cars apart *constantly* but we gotta keep fixing them and passing inspection WHY DONT THE ROADS HAVE TO PASS INSPECTION? What a joke this country is becoming...

[@llewellynwilliams1956]

save a lot of money folking out on wd40. mix oil with petrol in a spray bottle works wonders does the same job as well

[@GaryYoung-eq1ph]

How doing a van econoline.