How do you test ball joints? I put the floor jack under the shock on the lower a frame and lifted only one side at a time...I grabbed the top of the tire and pulled out hard. I then pulled the bottom of the tire. Seems to be slight play with click sound...but is that play in the spindle or ball joint? What is acceptable play?

 

If you had access to a lift, I would raise the car then put a jackscrew type support under the A-frame (one at a time as ur doing) Then raise the A-arm till ur sure there is no weight on it coils compressed. Etc then push up should have next to no play if no access to lift i would put car on 4 jackstands and raise arm with floor Jack but I would lift instead do not get under it. If u see rivets instead Of bolts they are originals. And probably need changing

 

If you have play in your wheels up and down your joints are loose , I beleive side to side would be tie rods

 

Danny check your front bearings too...make sure they are greased etc that the cotter pin was put back, nuts tight etc etc just a thought, for what it is worth if you do decide it needs parts, might want to shoot for the works and get a kit, then you only need to get the wheel alignment once and you KNOW everything is good.

 

do as you did but have some one apply the brakes,if "clicking"noise goes away then check and adjust wheel bearing.To check ball joint use a dial indicator,place it on the control arm and put tip on steering knuckle near suspect ball joint,zero indictor and move wheel in/out ,should read zero movement.

 

Geez, lift the car from the center cross member under the pan until the tires come off the ground, get a long pole or something to pry under the tire from the front of the car. While your lifting the tire gently, look at the ball joints. If there is an excessive amount of play (more than 1/16 of an inch) you may consider changing them.

For tie rod ends, center link, and idler arm, with the wheels straight on the ground, have a bud turn the steering wheel slowly from side to side (with the engine off) just passed the free play in the steering box. While your monitoring the amount of play at each point. If there is movement in the individual joints, replace.

To check wheel bearing play, lift the the car so that the front tire is off the ground. Pull up and out gently from the very bottom of the tire and see if there is movement. If so pull drums or rotors remove bearings and inspect for damage to bearings and races.
Good Luck

 

Heres a site thar may make it simpler to understand the proper way to check ball joints and other front end parts .http://www.carquestchassistraining.c...balljoints.htm

 

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