Worn Ball Joints | Ford Explorer Forums

  • Register Today It's free!

Worn Ball Joints

Maree74

Active Member
Joined
December 11, 2022
Messages
59
Reaction score
20
City, State
Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, UK
Year, Model & Trim Level
1997 — just a standard mo
Quicky?
How do I manage to check which ball joint is worn?
The garage told me they were worn but didn't say which one!
I've tried to move the hub on the control arms but cannot get any movement!
Thanks
 






Probably just all of them at this point. Considering the labor to do one at a time. Ask if they will discount for doing all 4.

My concern is, strengthen one, the weak get weaker.
 






To check them jack the front end up with the tire about 2” off the ground place a large pry bar under the tire and lift up… while watching your upper and lower ball joint from the front

Next is to jack it up a bit higher, sit in front of the tire and grab it at 12 and 6 o clock, see if there is movement
Now do the same thing at 3 and 9 o clock, this is who we test the tie rod ends and steering linkage

We call this a shake down test. A short and long pry bar with the tire in the air can show you any and all movement
Look for
Looseness in ball joints, control arm
Bushings, sway bar links wheel bearings, shock mounts and tie rods
 






Featured Content

Back
Top