Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Wear Limit

Ball joints must be replaced if any looseness is detected in the joint or the ball joint seal is cut.

To inspect the ball joints, raise the front of the vehicle allowing the front suspension to hang free. Grasp the tire at the top and bottom and move the top of the tire with an in-and-out motion. Observe the ball joint for any horizontal movement of the steering knuckle relative to the front lower control arm.