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How to check balljoints / wheelbearing Posted by JimBlake [Email] (#141) [Profile/Gallery] (more from JimBlake) on Thu, 1 Apr 2004 07:26:01 In Reply to: How do you tell if ball joint needs replacing>, Canadiansaaber, Wed, 31 Mar 2004 23:23:39 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The ball joints are compressed by the spring if you simply lift the front of the car. So they won't feel loose.
1) Simply lift the front of the car, take off the wheel, inspect the rubber boot over the CV joint. Then grab the axle shaft & try to shake it. If it's loose that's your trouble.
2) Put the wheel back on & try to wobble it. Grab it at 9 & 3, then grab at 6 & 12. If the wheel wobbles everywhich way, maybe a loose wheel bearing. If it only wobbles in the 'steering' direction, maybe a loose tie-rod end. Either way, find exactly where the looseness is located.
3) Lower the car, so the springs are compressed, see if you can reach in to put spacers (special tool or a hunk of wood) under the upper control arm; where it comes thru the inner fender. Otherwise, jack up the steering knuckle to compress the spring, put in the spacers, release the jack.
4) Now the upper & lower ball joints aren't under compression. So when you try to rattle the wheel, you'll see/feel the ball joints looseness.
posted by 68.73.7...
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