Ball joints are small but critical car components that connect the suspension to the wheels. By doing this, they ensure smooth steering and stable driving. However, over time, they start to wear out. When that happens, you might notice clunking noises, uneven tire wear, or poor handling. These are all signs you shouldn’t ignore.
That’s why you should learn how to check ball joints to replace them before any issues arise. If you have never done it before, this article will tell you all you need to know, so keep reading!
How to Check Ball Joints
Checking your ball joints is a pretty straightforward process; you just need to follow certain steps:
Step 1: Preparation
First, you will need to prepare for the inspection. Start by parking your car on a flat and even surface. Make sure to engage the parking brake. Then, use a jack lift to lift your car and secure it with jack stands. Before proceeding any further, make sure the car is secured, because you don’t want to risk your safety.
Step 2: Tire Check
Start from one tire by grabbing it firmly. Let your hands take 12 and 6 o’clock positions. Then, push and pull the wheel back and forth, and observe the suspension components. Do you feel any looseness or hear any unusual sounds, such as knocking? Is the wheel moving independently from the control arm? Is there a movement between the stud and the socket? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, the ball joint might be worn out.
Step 3: Watch for Other Signs
There are also other signs you should watch out for. One of those signs is in the ball joint’s protective rubber boot. Is it torn, greasy, cracked, or leaking? If yes, the dirt and moisture have probably entered the ball joint, speeding up its wear. Also, look for any signs of corrosion or metal flakes, as these are also the symptoms of internal damage.
If your car has serviceable ball joints, check the grease fittings as well. If they’re dry or filled with dirty grease, that’s another sign of poor lubrication or contamination inside the joint.
Step 4: Do a Test Drive
Finally, do a test drive. Take your car for a short drive and pay attention to anything unusual. Do you hear clunking noises when hitting bumps? Do you struggle with wandering steering? Do you feel vibrations? All these signs could point to failing ball joints.
Tips for Checking Bad Lower Ball Joints
Lower ball joints bear most of your car’s weight. That’s why they tend to wear out faster than the upper ones. So, beyond the basic inspection steps, there are several other things you can do to detect problems early.
1. Lift the car under the lower control arm instead of the frame
This will keep the suspension compressed, and it will allow you to feel looseness that might not appear when the wheel is hanging freely. Again, hold the tire to the 12 and 6 o’clock positions and twist it. Any movement you feel at the bottom usually points to a worn lower joint.
2. Use a Dial Indicator
Next, you can use a dial indicator. Attach the indicator to the lower control arm and position its tip against the steering knuckle. Then lift the wheel gently with a pry bar and see if there is any vertical movement. Even small deviations beyond the manufacturer’s limit could indicate wear.
3. Check for any Unusual Noises
You can also check for any unusual noises. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock while the vehicle is stationary. Then, listen closely for clunks or metallic pops from the lower suspension area. If the noise gets louder over bumps or uneven roads, it’s a strong sign that the issue is in the lower joints.
Tips for Checking Upper Ball Joints
Even though the upper ball joints don’t carry as much weight as the lower ones do, they still can get worn out and cause issues. That’s why you should inspect the ball joint during wheel alignment. If your car consistently fails to hold proper camber or caster alignment despite repeated adjustments, it might be a sign of worn upper ball joints.
1. Compare Both Sides of Suspension
Another thing you can do is to compare both sides of the suspension. Even if only one joint seems suspicious, checking the opposite side for movement, boot condition, and grease quality helps you see how far wear has progressed. Ball joints typically wear at a similar rate, so uneven wear might indicate other issues.
2. Do a Road Test
Finally, do a road test on uneven terrain. Try to drive slowly over a speed bump or pothole while turning slightly. Listen for a dull clunk from the upper suspension area, especially when the wheels change direction. If you hear it, your upper joint balls might be faulty.
When Do You Have to Replace Your Ball Joints?
Overall, you should replace your ball joints every 70000-150000 miles, depending on your driving habits and road conditions. This number might be even lower if you drive on bad roads and under heavy loads.
However, even if you haven’t driven so many miles, but you still hear the clunking noises and you have some vibrations and difficulties when steering, it is time to replace your ball joints. Don’t neglect any of the warning signs, as doing that could lead to more issues in the future.
Affordable Ball Joint Removal Kit from Orionmotor
Now that you know how to check ball joints, you will also need a reliable ball joint removal kit. Here is our recommended tool kit:
21pcs Ball Joint Removal Tool Kit
This kit allows you to easily remove and install ball joints and U-joints on most 2WD and 4WD cars without removing the control arm. It is made from heavy-duty forged carbon steel with rust-resistant finishes:
Conclusion
In this article, you have learned how to check ball joints, both the upper and the lower ones. Knowing this is extremely important as it ensures your car’s safety and performance. You should also learn how to use a ball joint removal kit in order to be able to replace worn ball joints.
