How do I test my upper ball joints?

[Big6ft6]

My Haynes manual says to check "ball joints" (doesn't say upper or lower) raise the vehicle and grasp the lower edge of the tire and jerk on it. If there is any play then your ball joints are bad.

Well, when I yank the lower edge of the tire, things feel solid. HOWEVER, when I push in (towards the truck) on the top of the tire, ther is a lot of movement at the upper ball joint. The wheel visibly moved in and the upper control arm moves at the ball joint. There is play at the upper ball joints.

This happens on both sides which makes me pause and consider that maybe there is reason my Haynes manual says to pull on the lower edge of the tire to test the ball joints. Maybe it is normal to have movement if you push in on the upper edge of the tire?

Are my upper ball joints bad? I would love it if someone could go jack up one wheel quick and try pushing in on the upper edge of the tire.

I just used the jack under the lower control arm to raise one wheel. It only takes a few seconds.

 

[IZwack]

Definitely worn - there should be no movement at all. If there is, the tire's caster angle is all over the place as you're driving, which could be very dangerous.

 

[my98nnj]

Replace the upper control arm.

 

[pmracing]

Replace the upper control arm.

Is that a job that a slightly advanced rookie repair man can do?

I have been told that mine are loose as well. I would prefer to save some money doing it myself, the shop quoted near a thousand dollars for the list of work they suggested.

I have changed engines, done many brake jobs, replaced radiators, replaced bent pushrods out in the middle of a field... But I have never messed with parts that are under the pressure of springs. I have seen videos where you have to chain the coil spring to prevent it from shooting out and across the shop, sometimes bringing your head along for the joyride....

thanks for any replies.

Mikeeee

 

[jremington59]

Pop it out of the knuckle and grab it and see if there's any play in it.

 

[FU MONSTER]

Sounds to me like they are worn.replace the whole control arm.the passenger side was a (two piece )super easy to install. My drivers side took some time just trying to get top bolts off. Search this site for some great pointers from advanced forum members.

 

[Big6ft6]

Thanks guys. That was my gut instinct, but I thought maybe it had something to do with the way I was jacking up the truck that the joint was unloaded and somehow the play was normal in that state. Thanks for confirmation.