How to Test a ball joint?
08-11-08, 07:47 PM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
How to Test a ball joint?
How can I tell if my ball joints are bad? I know that I have a bad front strut, but I'm not sure if the ball joints are bad or not. Is there a way to visually inspect them?
08-11-08, 09:01 PM
#2
first of all how many miles on the car. this is a big teller as far as ball joints.
second, get under the car and push/pull on the ball joint vertically. If there is any play, its probably going bad.
they call it a ball joint because it's supposed to move like a ball in a cup, so if you have a little rotational play, its normal for turning and such.
also if you turn your wheels lock to lock and hear any crackling noises, they're probably going.
it's a 150 diy job, much better to be safe than sorry.
second, get under the car and push/pull on the ball joint vertically. If there is any play, its probably going bad.
they call it a ball joint because it's supposed to move like a ball in a cup, so if you have a little rotational play, its normal for turning and such.
also if you turn your wheels lock to lock and hear any crackling noises, they're probably going.
it's a 150 diy job, much better to be safe than sorry.
08-11-08, 09:06 PM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
first of all how many miles on the car. this is a big teller as far as ball joints.
second, get under the car and push/pull on the ball joint vertically. If there is any play, its probably going bad.
they call it a ball joint because it's supposed to move like a ball in a cup, so if you have a little rotational play, its normal for turning and such.
also if you turn your wheels lock to lock and hear any crackling noises, they're probably going.
it's a 150 diy job, much better to be safe than sorry.
second, get under the car and push/pull on the ball joint vertically. If there is any play, its probably going bad.
they call it a ball joint because it's supposed to move like a ball in a cup, so if you have a little rotational play, its normal for turning and such.
also if you turn your wheels lock to lock and hear any crackling noises, they're probably going.
it's a 150 diy job, much better to be safe than sorry.
There is 172k on the car now and to my understanding on the SC300 I have to get new LCA's if the ball joint is bad..........so before I go and replace my shocks and springs I want to make sure my ball joints are fine as well.
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