How to check for bad ball joint?

[littledog]

Hi all,
I have a 2G AWD. A couple weeks ago when i went to my brake pad changes my mechanic told me that i have some free play on my left wheel and the ball joint may be shot.

My question is how do I check is the ball joint okay or not? It's for the lower lateral arm ball joint.

I have already done the recall but if it's broken again satan will have to fix it for free.

Thanks.

 

[jtmcinder]

The ball-joints on the front lower lateral arms on your car are under a recall. If you haven't had them replaced, do it ASAP. If you have had them replaced, taken the car back to the same place that did the work, because they are obligated to fix it again.

- Jtoby

 

[Bastard1g]

So 2g's have a recasll on lower ball joints? Im curious about that one, anyone have details to why?

 

[talontsi01]

I just had my lower ball joints replaced. I had both lower front ball joints replaced for under 200. Worst comes to worst, you can just replace them. Especially if there is some problem with the stock 2g ball joints.

 

[jtmcinder]

Originally posted by Bastard1g
So 2g's have a recasll on lower ball joints? Im curious about that one, anyone have details to why?

Insufficient grease and/or split boots leading to total failure, as in the joint separates and the wheel falls off the car. (For you newbies, this is not optimal, especially at highway speed.) Some places have this recall down as only applying to 95s & 96s, but if you make enough noise, then you can get it applied to any 2Gs.

- Jtoby

 

[Toshiro]

The dealer around here (Roseville) didn't complain at all doing it on my 97, and I didn't have any of the paperwork (they never mailed me a letter b/c I wasn't the registered owner yet). Then again they only had parts for one side, and so I still only have a 1/2 safe car haha.