1G inspecting ball joints?

[dsmsucks]

Hi Im in the middle of a clutch swap. Since I have everything off I wanted to know what are the signs of a bad ball joint.
thanks

 

[91 Turbo Mitsu]

Ok with your car the best way to check is jack the car up and let the suspension hang at full droop. grab the wheel at 12 oclock and 6. Do a push pull at the bottom to see if there is any movement. You can also crawl under and insert a prybar between the spindel and control arm and pry up and down to see if there is any movement. UP here in Vermont we inspect vehicles yearly and the allowed amount of movement is generally 10 thousands which isnt alot.If you feel movement with either method chances are you need new ball joints. Hope this helps you

 

[wret]

If you feel movement with either method chances are you need new ball joints.

...or bearings, or bushings, or tie rod ends, or steering rack.

You may be able to see, hear, or feel movement at the suspect joint when the wheel or steering system is moved. Otherwise it can be diffucult to isolate which joint is loose until it is removed from the car.

 

[DoyoFCT]

i would just pull the wheel off, and do the same method stated above. just grab the rotor/hub etc.. it's not as easy to shimmy back and forth, but you will be able to see what's bad.

Every 1st gen that I buy/acquire. i usually replace balljoints, control arm bushings, sway bar endlinks, sway bar bushings, and inner/outer tie rods. and wheel bearings.

9/10 1st gen's that ive come across needs all of the above. swaybar bushings are optional i guess, but the endlinks are generally worn.

 

[hereitcomes]

A good gerneral visual inspection can determine as well. The boot around the balljoint will be torn, and grease leaking from it and the surrounding area. When they get dry, they start to go bad. When you go over larger bumps you will also hear a loud clunk, if they are bad enough. But if you hear the clunk, you should just check for play like stated above. Good luck man.

 

[dsmsucks]

Well I checked them with the methods given. They seem to be in good shape.

 

[laserspeeddemon]

I would just replace them. They cost $30-$50, and a good machine shop will charge about $20 to swap them.

 

[dsmsucks]

laserspeeddemon im installing my clutch using your tech page. THANKS

Okay better change them then.

 

[sbengineering]

I would just replace them. They cost $30-$50, and a good machine shop will charge about $20 to swap them.

agreed, replace them, i use rockauto.com http://www.rockauto.com

Good prices

 

[Defiant]

Hi Im in the middle of a clutch swap. Since I have everything off I wanted to know what are the signs of a bad ball joint.
thanks

Did you mean the suspension balljoints, or the clutch lever pivot ball? Just a little concerned about the mis-direction, is all.

 

[dsmsucks]

Did you mean the suspension balljoints, or the clutch lever pivot ball? Just a little concerned about the mis-direction, is all.

Well when I first started the thread I meant the suspension balljoints. Well guys I have the tranny lose and the axles out It just ready for me go rip it out

As for the balljoints their gone(need to be replaced). I got the bolts loose but the joints wont come out.

 

[EclipseTrbo420A]

Well when I first started the thread I meant the suspension balljoints. Well guys I have the tranny lose and the axles out It just ready for me go rip it out

As for the balljoints their gone(need to be replaced). I got the bolts loose but the joints wont come out.

you need that fork looking deal you can rent at autozone called *gasp* a ball joint remover. You slip in right over the boot there and give it one or two good whacks and she'll pop right out for you.

 

[dsmsucks]

you need that fork looking deal you can rent at autozone called *gasp* a ball joint remover. You slip in right over the boot there and give it one or two good whacks and she'll pop right out for you.

thanks man

 

[laserspeeddemon]

you need that fork looking deal you can rent at autozone called *gasp* a ball joint remover. You slip in right over the boot there and give it one or two good whacks and she'll pop right out for you.

The correct term is ball joint seperator, but ya, you need that. Here's a pic.

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I'm doing my tie rods right now, I had to use a ball joint seperator. (I'm doing tech article on how to remove the steering rack too). I borrowed it from Advanced Auto Parts.

 

[wret]

The correct term is ball joint seperator

Actually its a separator.

In addition to the forks, I would suggest anyone with a well rounded tool set to get one of these:

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They don't always fit but when they do they are easier to use and less destructive.

 

[Infiltrate2000]

I never used any of those tool. Just whack the knuckle that the joint is in a few times with a hammer, pops right out.

 

[99gst_racer]

They don't always fit but when they do they are easier to use and less destructive.

Come on, Ron. Destructive is fun!

I've been using a standard $10 VatoZone pickle fork (like in post #14) for 3 years now. I like it. But, I do agree with Ron. If not used properly, you can damage the rubber boot surrounding the ball joint.