Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection

1. Check for wear of front suspension lower arm ball joint by raising the vehicle until the wheel is clear of the floor.
2. Support the front suspension lower arm.
3. Try to rock the wheel top-to-bottom, if any wobble is felt, look for movement between the front suspension lower arm and tire.
4. If the front suspension lower arm ball joint appears tight, check the front wheel bearing. Then repeat the wobble check. Otherwise, any movement present indicates front suspension lower arm ball joint wear.