How to check ball joints

[sirhk100]

Is there a way to check them. I think my lower ball joints are bad on my '92 explorer and I'm hoping to install my new radius arms this weekend (assuming they are built) and I figure I might as well do the ball joints at the same time. Also I think just the lower ones are bad but since I'm doing them I figure I might as well do the uppers at the same time. Anyways, I wedged a prybar in there and pried (sp?) against them and could move them quit a bit. Is there an appropriate way to check them?

 

[DOGMAN]

With the tire off the ground, grab the top with one hand and the bottom with the other and see if you can induce play by pulling and pushing on the tire with both hands at the same time, one hand pulling out while the other hand pushes in, and vice versa. It should feel pretty tight. If not, voila!, bad ball joint. You should be able to feel which one is bad, upper or lower.

You're right in saying that if you replace one, do the other at the same time.

What would really be nice is if you had someone that is experienced with checking ball joints so they could make sure your diagnosis is correct. If you don't know anyone personally, any front end shop should be able to check your ball joints for you for nothing or a minimal fee and also you can watch them and see how they check them.