Checking ball joints

[Arnoldtheskier]

The Chiltons (Escort)manual says to take the weight off the wheel and support the the control arm(to take the weight off the shock).

When this is done it effectively takes any play out of the joint..making the joint appear to have no wear in it.

This procedure MAY be able to show SOME in and out..horizontal play..OR up and down..vertical play . Axial or radial play. But the serious wear in the joint occurs in an oblong..lengthwise to the vehicle manner.

Correct procedure is to take the weight off the wheel and let it hang. Then grasp the wheel at both sides..front and rear iin the middle..and rock it in and out. This can show serious wear that will be hidden in the first method.

[Johnny Mullet]

That's how I check them. While hanging on the lift.