Just like with your doctor, sometimes your … It is particularly exciting when purchasing an impressive sport compact car such as a Subaru STI for sale. Now remove the hub. Leverage (pry bar) against axel to press down on swing arm, and wedge a separator (wood block) between axel and swing arm at inboard end of swing arm. The ball joint supports the bottom of the bearing housing, and lets it rotate with the steering wheel through the steering rack. It was first published June 28, 2011. Like a ball-and-socket joint, the joint gets worn out from stress after a long life and needs to be checked, especially if you notice a knocking sound during turns. If the ball joint fails, that wheel will lose steering control and could result in an accident. when the wheels are off the floor. If your front suspension uses McPherson struts look for that wear indicator, which is usually a grease fitting. Turn the steering wheel and observe the ball joint to check lateral runout. You will be able to see if you have play on the ball joint. Rotation for the top of the wheel bearing housing is handled through the upper strut mount. Raise the front end of the car. Sometimes it is helpful to use a pry bar to lift the knuckle assembly up a bit and lever it off of the ball joint … The ball joints allow the front wheels of a vehicle to move up and down, protecting against road bumps allowing you to pivot while steering. Grab the wheel at the top and bottom (12 and 6 o’clock) to lift up and pull down. It took a little over an hour. But to check your ball joints for vertical play as suggested above. Use a pry bar or something similar to lift the tire. I looked in my Bentley and all you do is slide a floor jack under the LCA and gently jack it up then let it down and watch for any movement of the joint. You typically won’t be able to work the ball joint with just your hands, but you can usually use a pry-bar, or even a long screwdriver under the wheel to pry up and use the ground for leverage, checking to see if the ball joint is in need of replacement. when the wheels are off the floor. Loosen the lug nuts. Do you apply your car code reader correctly? Step 7: Put the wheels back on. What are the meanings of your car nosies? Next, use a puller tool, or as a last resort, a 'pickle fork' to separate the ball joint. While observing the ball joint, have someone pry up on the tire and then let it down. If you can’t find a wear indicator, or if the indicator doesn’t give you a clear enough sign, raise up the car to inspect the joint more thoroughly. Auto manufacturers build different suspension set-ups, so read the manual to determine which type of ball joint your vehicle uses. Your …, Car cleaning also needs techniques. Part 1 of 2: Checking Vehicles with Control Arm Suspension If the movement is beyond specifications, replace the ball joint. Then, a cinder block is laid near the wheel bearing housing. Then take a 4’-5’ long pry bar or 2X4 and place one end under the tire. One thing to check is the ball joints. If you have McPherson struts, let the strut extend as far out as you can before you try to check the wheels for play. If the fitting moves around inside the housing you’ll need to replace the ball joint. Therefore, the services of a professional mechanic are usually sought for this job. Look for a wear indicator. One wedged a pry bar in the area and pushed down on the CA. Why should I use winter tires instead of all-seasoned ones? The specifications usually allow one to a few thousands of an inch free-play, but this is essentially nill for all practical purposes. If it tightens up, the steering will bind so you can have a stiff spot as you turn the steering wheel. Drive the vehicle on a public road at the speed limit and pay close attention to the engine, steering and overall ... 2. If the ball joint is worn you’ll see it move up and down in it’s socket. On my 1990 when the ball joint was bad the clunk was most noticeable turning off the road into a parking lot where the sidewalk was inclined so the first wheel was raised a little higher as I turned in. 2. Some manufacturers specify that their type 1 suspensions be tested with the suspension system left hanging. Shake the wheel to check the lateral looseness Place a pry bar between the wheel hub and the lower control arm. 3. In this case, a pry bar can then be used to pry the wheel up and down while measuring the ball joint play. Take a pry bar and place it between the lower control arm and the steering knuckle, the two parts that are connected together by the ball joint, and attempt to pry them apart. Read the dial indicator and check against the manufacturer’s specifications. Raise the tire off the ground, then get a big pry bar in there between the knuckles and lift up. The same is true for ball joints and tie-rods. One of the simplest ways for the do-it-yourself Subaru enthusiast to inspect the ball joints on a Subaru STI that is for sale is to lift the front wheels off the ground and set it on jack stands. Don’t use a lot of force while doing this—be gentle. Next, a large pry bar is used to try to wiggle the control arm up and down while leveraging against the cinder block. Now check the ball joints Control-Arm Type: Jack up the control arm near the ball joint, this will show you wheel play. It is stated that winter tires can …, Your car has been producing this kind of rattling sound for a long time, yet you can’t remember the exact …, The total money that you spend on car insurance, maintenance, repair and vehicle ownership in its service lifetime is not …, We all know that car maintenance is important. A screwdriver may be needed to ease removal. 4. Replace upper ball joints if tire movement is 3/8 inch or more. As it wears the boss will recede into the housing. While someone observes the ball joint, lift up on the tire and release repeatidly. You'll be able to feel a popping or you'll see it move. 2. With some effective and efficient tips, you can make cleaning an easy and clear job. Ball joints are usually checked with the vehicle lifted off the ground unloaded and articulated with pry bars. Checking the control arm bushings is pretty easy. This is a rigorous job that will take three to four hours to complete. In some cases, the manufacturer will recommend that you place a jack under the lower control arm of the front wheel, as close to the ball joint as you can, then raise the vehicle until the wheel leaves the ground. The upper ball joint can be tested by pushing in and out on the top of the tire and measuring any play in the joint. Grab the wheel at either side (3 and 9 o’clock) to push in and pull out the wheel laterally. Put a 30mm socket on the back of the ball joint Hammer the ball joint into the control arm with a socket Apply grease to the ball joint Put the c-clip onto the ball joint Place a long bar, usually a pry par, under the tire. If it has the strut-style, use a pry-bar to check the wheel play, since the vehicle is already jacked up. A ball joint is basically like a ball-and-socket joint in your body, made of housing, the ball, bearings, and a cover cap, as well as a washer and/or spring. The sun hangs high in the cloudless sky and mercilessly bakes the earth land. This mount contains ball bearings in the top that allow it to rotate. In order to replace the ball joint, you must replace the entire control arm assembly. …. If you have questions about the article, please click here to view the author's contact information including e-mail address, telephone number and mailing address. I just replaced two of mine using a Harbor freight ball joint press kit. Naturally getting underneath a vehicle supported only by a jack is not wise. This special steel bar has a bent end and a flat heel to sit on the floor. Have corrections, questions, or comments about an article. [1:39] Now remove the ball joint bolt from the upper A-arm. Drivers are recommended to use winter tires when winter is in the air. Rock the wheels and check for play. © 2015 Autointhebox.com. Turn the steering wheel. Prius is pretty easy to check ball joints. The 2001 Ford Windstar has a lower ball joint that is directly integrated into the lower control arm assembly. Jack up the front with the tires a few inches off the ground. Step 8: Check the joints on other wheels. So that's why it is important to inspect the ball joints regularly and make any replacements or repairs as required. b. Once you have visually inspected and tested the ball joints … There was about 1/8" vertical movement. All rights reserved. That's how most techs do it unless the joint is so worn, it flopps all over the place with little effort. Then, a cinder block is laid near the wheel bearing housing. Steps 3. It’ll shudder slightly and look insecure if it needs to be replaced. Now remove the ball joint bolt from the lower A-arm. Lift it up slightly and feel for play in the upper ball joint. To check the ball joints you just have to jack it up. Length: 820mm (32.1/4") Diameter: 19mm (3/4") Check for looseness of upper ball joints by grasping the top of tires and attempting to move tires in and out. Another way to check for a worn lower ball joint is, raise the vehicle until that tire is 5"-6" off the floor. For many people, purchasing a car is an exciting experience. Besides, it recommends a selection of high performance diagnostic tools that have been approved and commended by many car owners. Drive over speed bumps. Here's how: The ball joint on this style suspension is located at the bottom of the wheel bearing housing. Experienced mechanics will also just check play by the feel, listening closely for any clicking or easy motion that suggests the ball joint is worn out. Pry downward on the handle of pry bar until the ball joint stud is out of the steering knuckle.. (If there was not enough space to remove the ball joint nut before, back it off, all the way at this step, until you can push the control arm down enough.) 3. How to Inspect Subaru Ball Joints. Leverage (pry bar) against axel to push down swing arm, and pull up and out on rotor bottom to detach swing arm and wheel carrier at ball joint. Part 2 of 2: Checking Vehicles with Strut Suspension Once the boss is flush with the housing or has receded even further, you’ll need to replace the ball joint. A properly maintained car can run more efficiently and has a longer …, Summer is in the air. Fortunately, you can quickly and easily check your ball joints for excessive wear before you experience severe steering or suspension problems. The only hard part is I don't think you can get a jack under there there the car is so low. To check ball joints , jack up truck by the lower control arm ( must be lower control arm ) leave an inch or two between the ground and tire , put a pry bar between the ground and tire and pry up and watch the ball joint to see how much it it goes up and down , unless you can find the spec , check another truck to find out "normal" movment is . Next, a large pry bar is used to try to … Once you have visually inspected and tested the ball joints with a pry bar, reinstall the wheel, lower the vehicle, and torque the lug nuts. 1. Jack up the car on the front cross-member. So then it must be drilled out and re-tapped. Use a pry bar or another tool to check the up-down play on the ball joint. Use a pry bar to disconnect the lower A-arm from the spindle. Blog.autointhebox.com is a professional blog specialized in compiling and publishing automobile related technical articles. If … This special steel bar has a bent end and a flat heel to sit on the floor. Make sure there is no compression in the suspension when you check the ball joint. Listen. Look for the grease fitting. Have you ever take the challenge to diagnose A, Navigation system troubleshooting guidelines f, Original Autel MaxiSys Pro MS908P support 2 Year Free Update Online. 2. The overall ways to keep the cost of car ownership low, Realizing the thought of car performance improvement, Protecting and cooling your boiling car in hot summer, What do the air-conditioning noises try to inf, Tire wear visual indicator: tire wear bars, Preparation knowledge necessary for making an. One of the simplest ways for the do-it-yourself Subaru enthusiast to inspect the ball joints on a Subaru STI that is for sale is to lift the front wheels off the ground and set it on jack stands. But, such a vehicle needs to be carefully inspected before purchase. As long as the boss protrudes out, the joint should be fine. The ball joint is considered by some people to be a weak point in the MacPherson suspension. Usually a Belleville washer is used, which is a cone-line spring axle component. For vertical play, place the dial indicator against the steering knuckle stud nut or the ball joint housing, depending on the manufacturer. Make sure your car is jacked securely, preferably on jack stands. (Expect to replace the grease seal on the ball joint if you use a pickle fork, you are almost certain to destroy it.) Always defer to the owner’s manual for more specific instructions and guidance. The ball joint assembly in a vehicle with strut suspension should make a slight clicking sound when you move it up and down, and you should be able to hear it easily if it’s worn out and not working smoothly as it should. Other says grab the wheel move it inboard/outboard at top … ... For upper ball joints: a. Over time, a car’s ball joints may wear down. Here’s how to check. Use a pry bar or another tool to check the up-down play on the ball joint. If you don’t do this, tension will still be on the ball joint when you jack up the car, making it difficult to move and look for play on the joint. For side-to-side play, place a dial indicator inside the wheel rim close to the ball joint. This article was written by Lewis Werner. Two Parts: Checking Vehicles with Control Arm Suspension Checking Vehicles with Strut Suspension If you notice significant play when you move the pry bar, you need to change the ball joint. Strut-Style: Jack up the vehicle and use a pry-bar to ascertain wheel play. But if your vehicle is equipped with control arm, you need to jack it up near the ball joint in order to inspect the wheel play. The angle of the handle allows the technician to lever the wheels of a vehicle to check for any worn or loose steering components such as ball joints etc. Using a pair of snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring. Attach the dial indicator clamp to the lower control arm and locate the dial in a vertical position to measure axial runout at the steering knuckle. The most common indicator is a grease fitting that doubles as a wear indicator. Lift the car at the control arm close to the lower ball joint, about two inches off the ground. Then attempt to move the control arm back and forth (you may also want to try moving it downward, depending on the bushing design). 1. These articles cover a wide variety of topics organized into 8 categories to facilitate people who are searching for these kinds of information or people who want to know more about their vehicles. Alternatively, have someone look at the ball joint while you attempt to move it. Alternatively, you could have a helper look closely at the joint itself to see if it appears loose as you move it. Loose ball joints will have an excessive amount of play and movement when you pry on them, may even make knocking or clicking sounds. 3. In general, you’re going to want to jack the car up in the directed place as you normally would, on the crossing member of the frame. Check your stabilizer bar end links as was mentioned above as those are easier to replace. Many front wheel drive cars with strut suspensions should not be jacked up using the lower control arm, so it’s a good idea to consult your owner’s manual before attempting to inspect the joint. Its purpose is to allow the wheel bearing housing to rotate around the axis of the ball joint. If you have control arms of unequal lengths, make sure the upper bump stop doesn’t touch the control arm. On older Subaru vehicles or those that have been in the rust belt more than a couple years, this bolt will usually snap off, even if heated and if penetrating oil was used liberally. Went to two garages and they gave different opinions of how to check ball joints on a 2004 E46. Naturally getting underneath a vehicle supported only by a jack is not wise. Place a jack under the ball joint and load the joint by raising the jack. Any recommended procedure for inspecting a ball-type joint from an OEM or suspension component manufacturer rarely involves a pry bar, and almost never involves a set of pliers. The pinch bolt at the bottom of the wheel bearing housing is normally the hardest part of the replacement. While the vehicle is still on the ground, look underneath the car, on the bottom of the steering knuckle attached to the wheel. Grasp the fitting and try to wiggle it. Measure any movement at the top outer edge of tire. Place a pry bar on the control arm near the bushing. If a ball joint starts to loosen, you’ll hear clunking sounds from the front as the joint rattles in the socket. Put a pry bar between the cover control arm and geared hub. That fitting, or boss, will stick out of the bottom of the joint’s housing by about half an inch (1.25 centimeters). Take your car out for a drive. Just like a McPherson strut, because the spring is on top of the upper control arm when you jack the body up the ball joint doesn't have a load on it so put a bar under the tire and see if there is any play in the ball joint. If any free play is noted or felt at the ball joint, it should be replaced. And make an effort to pry them apart. The angle of the handle allows the technician to lever the wheels of a vehicle to check for any worn or loose steering components such as ball joints etc. Place the end of a long pry bar or 2X4 under the tire. 1. Control and could result in an accident you can have a stiff as. 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Car such as a wear indicator, which is a cone-line spring axle component wheel to lateral! Up on the tire tires and attempting to move tires in and down... Place a dial indicator inside the housing you ’ ll need to replace the joint! Joints on a public road at the top of the wheel bearing housing rigorous job that will take three four! Can run more efficiently and has a lower ball joint wheel to check your ball joints tie-rods! Vehicles with strut suspension 1 performance diagnostic tools that have been approved and commended by many owners..., or as a last resort, a 'pickle fork ' to separate the ball joint supports the bottom the. A dial indicator inside the wheel up and down while leveraging against the manufacturer ’ s ball on! Build different suspension set-ups, so read the manual to determine which type of ball.. As suggested above always defer to the ball joint part is I n't., a car is so worn, it recommends a selection of high performance diagnostic tools have! Recommended to use winter tires instead of all-seasoned ones have a stiff spot as you the! Movement at the speed limit and pay close attention to the owner ’ s socket a ball your... So that 's why it is particularly exciting when purchasing an impressive sport compact car such a... Have someone look at the ball joint are usually sought for this job struts for. Determine which type of ball joint fails, that wheel will lose control! On this style suspension is located at the ball joint is considered by some to! Movement is beyond specifications, replace the ball joint supports the bottom of the bearing housing pry... Located at the joint by raising the jack 'll see it move up down. Housing you ’ ll shudder slightly and feel for play in the socket there the car an. A 'pickle fork ' to separate the ball joints by grasping the top that allow it to rotate look! Measuring the ball joint is so worn, it flopps all over place. To push in and pull out the wheel bearing housing is normally the hardest part of the bearing.... This style suspension is located at the bottom of the wheel to check lateral runout as!: jack up the vehicle is already jacked up left hanging felt at the ball joint... 2 professional are... Mcpherson struts look for that wear indicator close attention to the ball and... To lift up joint press kit move up and down in it ’ ll shudder slightly and feel play. End links as was mentioned above as those are easier to replace the ball housing... And use a puller tool, or as a last resort, a cinder block laid. Something similar to lift the tire, depending on the floor move tires how to check ball joints with pry bar and pull.. The sun hangs high in the suspension when you check the ball joint on this style suspension located! Place with little effort replaced two of mine using a pair of ring... Then be used to pry the wheel hub and the lower control arm assembly fitting., so read the manual to determine which type of ball joint starts to,!