How to tell if ball joints/tie rods are bad off the car?
#1
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So I'm in the middle of a shock install and want to replace any worn parts while I'm here.
My upper ball joints are still sealed with no tears in the boot, but they're very easy to move around, almost like a spherical rod end. I have no idea what they should feel like new, so I'm not sure if this makes them bad.
Same thing for my outer tie rod ends, except those boots are FUBAR. The end itself is very easy to move, but once again, I don't know if this is normal.
So should these have this much play in them, or is it time to replace them?
My upper ball joints are still sealed with no tears in the boot, but they're very easy to move around, almost like a spherical rod end. I have no idea what they should feel like new, so I'm not sure if this makes them bad.
Same thing for my outer tie rod ends, except those boots are FUBAR. The end itself is very easy to move, but once again, I don't know if this is normal.
So should these have this much play in them, or is it time to replace them?
#3
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
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One way to check is to lift the car up and try to shake the wheel left to right and up and down with the steering wheel locked and the wheel/tire on....if there's any movement it could mean worn parts, if not then the ends and ball joints are still holding their own....
....however, this is just a quick/general way to check, replacing them is never a bad idea, just might not be necessary
....however, this is just a quick/general way to check, replacing them is never a bad idea, just might not be necessary
#4
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
One way to check is to lift the car up and try to shake the wheel left to right and up and down with the steering wheel locked and the wheel/tire on....if there's any movement it could mean worn parts, if not then the ends and ball joints are still holding their own....
....however, this is just a quick/general way to check, replacing them is never a bad idea, just might not be necessary
....however, this is just a quick/general way to check, replacing them is never a bad idea, just might not be necessary