Ball joint check - best method?

[deathegg]

Was just wondering what is the best method for checking ball joints? I did a search; some people use some kind of pry bar, another method is to move the tire and see if the ball joint moves? Not sure about which is better. I'm probably going to get new ones anyway, but wanted to know the correct test method.

Thanks!

[jglutz]

Lift the car with the wheel on.
Grab the wheel at the 12 & 6 O'clock positions pull hard with on hand and push har with the other....reverser technique rapidly several times.\
If the ball joint/sway bar bushing or the control arm are shot...you will feel or hear the rattle.

Repeating this proceedure at the 3 and 9 O'clock postion is a good way to check the tie rod ends.