How to properly check ball joints?
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
How to properly check ball joints?
Hey guys,
As the title states, I wanna know whats the proper way to check the ball joints on a 06 RWD IS350. I was under the impression that you would just jack up the car and push on the tires and see if there is any play but I just saw anothwler video where a guy was jacking up his truck by the Lower control arm instead claiming that its the right way to do it?
It may be a dumb question sorry, but thanks for any of your help.
As the title states, I wanna know whats the proper way to check the ball joints on a 06 RWD IS350. I was under the impression that you would just jack up the car and push on the tires and see if there is any play but I just saw anothwler video where a guy was jacking up his truck by the Lower control arm instead claiming that its the right way to do it?
It may be a dumb question sorry, but thanks for any of your help.
#3
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Yeah I doubt it too but some one mentioned that on my other thread. My friend checked for me the first time but now im just wondering if maybe he didnt check properly? I mean what do I know im not a mechanic lol. Thats why I figured I should ask, you know just in case.
#5
The way I've always checked for bad ball joints is like this (in addition to checking for torn boots):
Jack the vehicle up at the normal jack point to get the tire off the ground. Grab the tire at the Noon and 6pm positions and try to rock the wheel back and forth. If you hear a clunk it could be bearings/hub or ball joints. Next jack the vehicle up far enough to put a crow bar or 2x4 or pipe or what ever under the tire and lift up on it and listen for a clunk or have some one look to see if you get movement at the ball joint. There should be no movement.
For checking tie rods I've always jacked up the vehicle, grabbed the tire at the 9pm and 3pm positions and rocked the wheel back and forth.
Funny enough I just bought a Ford Ranger and have all 3 issues; bad bearings, bad ball joints and bad tie rods.
Jack the vehicle up at the normal jack point to get the tire off the ground. Grab the tire at the Noon and 6pm positions and try to rock the wheel back and forth. If you hear a clunk it could be bearings/hub or ball joints. Next jack the vehicle up far enough to put a crow bar or 2x4 or pipe or what ever under the tire and lift up on it and listen for a clunk or have some one look to see if you get movement at the ball joint. There should be no movement.
For checking tie rods I've always jacked up the vehicle, grabbed the tire at the 9pm and 3pm positions and rocked the wheel back and forth.
Funny enough I just bought a Ford Ranger and have all 3 issues; bad bearings, bad ball joints and bad tie rods.
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