How to check is ball joints are still good?

[blizz86]

VERY BAD Ball Joints - WATCH THIS!!! - YouTube

saw this today while browsing. Is this a good enough check? I stopped by the dealership and had my vin checked and the ASM said its fine and not to worry. But then this is also the guy that says all the 3rd gens have saggy ass and its how they were made. :l

edit: title makes me sound like a fob. lol
How to check if the ball joints are still good.

 

[shadow247]

That looks like a good way to check. If they haven't been changed its cheap insurance to ensure you don't have a catastrophic failure. You can do them both in a couple hours with a few hand tools.

 

[ICD]

That's a very good video for something that could cause waaaay more damage. Quick and easy check.

Haven't bought mine yet but I'll be sure to try this.

 

[Stick Figure]

If you want my 2¢s... that is probably LONG overdue for replacement. I have the exact same Snap on pry bar (only red handled) and couldn't get mine to budge, but they still made a world of difference in driving feel.

 

[blizz86]

If you want my 2¢s... that is probably LONG overdue for replacement. I have the exact same Snap on pry bar (only red handled) and couldn't get mine to budge, but they still made a world of difference in driving feel.

So they didn't budge but you still replaced them right?

 

[I_bRAD]

I didn't watch the video, but I assume he's using the pry bar technique.
Mine wouldn't budge with the pry bar but I replaced them anyhow- being a used truck with no repair history I had no idea how old they were and just didn't have confidence in them. Especially off road!

A couple hours work and not too much cash and now I can drive knowing they are good.

 

[tyr0981]

nice, i should prolly check mine after 239k on my odometer!

 

[Singtoe]

If you wait to see slop before replacing the ball joint or tie rod ends, you are waiting to long.

The best way to check to see if the joint is worn is to dissemble down to the joint, and try moving it with your hand.

If it moves easily with just two fingers, it is wore out.

There should be resistance that takes some effort to move.

 

[Stick Figure]

So they didn't budge but you still replaced them right?

Yes, at 180k

 

[jmildoc]

thanks for posting this.

 

[KidVermicious]

The comments on that video are horrible. What a bunch of creeps.

 

[Dous]

They are cheap enough, just replace them every 100k, no questions asked.

For your safety and everyone else

 

[Bishard]

I had same side as runner in video fail on me backing out of 7-11. I was headed for a 2.5 hr drive on interstate. Now I check them once every few months even though they are new. The hell with check engine light replace it with ball joint warning light.