How to Check if a Ball Joint is Bad
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- čas přidán 17. 07. 2014
- How to check ball joints and ball joint noise. Learn how to diagnose a bad ball joint for both an upper and lower control arm. I also quickly show you how to tell if it is a bad tie rod, bushings, or a bad bearing just in case your ball joint is not bad. A bad ball joint will make noise which is the first symptom of knowing it's bad.
How to Replace a Ball Joint: • How to Replace a Lower...
Cutaway of a Ball Joint: • What's Inside a Car Ba...
How to Tell if your Tie Rod is BAD: • How to Tell if Your Ti...
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
As a former mechanic I agree 100% with this video. Everything stated was accurate concise and to the point. Thank you Chris for another excellent tutorial.
Except that the ball joints *can* in fact be replaced. 🤫 You just gotta know the right tech that knows how and is willing to.
The only thing I would add is the fact that some ball joints allow vertical play and there is a specification for them. I use this video in my classroom. Great job.
Why is honda cars notorious for ball joint failure
One can never be a former mechanic
If ur a former mechanic. Why would you be watching a instructional video on how to fix a car?😅
If a man isn't careful he can actually become a pretty descent DIY auto repairman with these type of videos. Much appreciation for the priceless tutorials.
You have to be one of the few CZcamsrs who actually DESERVE their subscribers.
yee
You make some excellent videos, thanks. I followed your quick radiator and heater core flush. The job was simple and smooth just like your directions. I just got my inspection sticker and the mechanic said there's a tiny bit of movement on the drivers side ball joint. Now I can visualize what to look for. Thanks again
What I like about ChrisFix is tht your straight to the point and not a long drawn out explanation.. as to why. thanks ChrisFix..
Ben Martinez sometimes the “whys” need to be known
Ben yes, even tho he's not a "mechanic for 50 years" he still knows what he's talkin about!
@@Carlos-hr9kg because wear and tear.
Dude BM naw dude I stopped watching this dude because of all the fing side notes he does super annoying + he works on random cars
1234 rev up your engine
Chris I have been a get bye mechanic for the last 60 years and I learn so much watching your videos. Always thought I knew what I was doing changing brakes but after watching your 10 tips on them I realized I was missing important steps and things to check! You ROCK bud thanks so much.
That’s crazy, 60 years and u still missing important steps.. feel bad for customer cars
@@ryanlenigan7517 Ha Hahaha O hell no I’m a what you call a shade tree mechanic,I definitely know many mechanics,fly by the seat of my britches mechanic. I’d feel sorry for customers too but it’d be a different mechanic if I had a shop for sure. Have a good one
takes a lot of humility to say this and I commend you. Everyone has things to work on. And to acknowledge it is something to be praised.
For 60 years? I think it's a little bit too late buddy to start learning...lmao
Never too late to learn something new
Thank you sir that was exactly what I needed to know. I appreciate you getting right to the point and not wasting our time with a long unnecessary commentary.
Just had my car serviced today to replace the lower ball joint. Heard a “popping/clunking” noise when I would break, then it got to the point where the car would drift when driving. When I took it to the shop, the tech said it was dangerous to drive on and the ball joint needed to replaced. So happy that I did not ignore this and can continue to drive my vehicle. This video is still helpful 8 years later.
28 seconds into Chris fix and chill and you find out you have bad ball joints.
woo fa
🤣🤣🤣🤣
woo fa niicccce
Underrated comment lol
L.M.F.A.OOOOOOOOOO
Got to have the perfect ball...joints! aha brand new
That was an awesome Video! My husband passed away close to 2 years now and it's been ruff to having to do things like this on my own. and I may not can fix every time but at least with great people like Chris I know pretty much what's wrong with my Jeep. Thank you so much Chris!!:-)
God Bless in Jesus Christ Name Amen.
عملية خطيرة وتتطلب صلابة في التثبيت للسيارة لان فيها زعزعة علاوة على انها معلقه
Thanks, Chris. Quick, to the point and easily understandable. Well done!
Chris Fix, I really do appreciate your videos.
I've never regretted subscribing your Channel, thank you for your VAST wealth of knowledge.
Clear and simple, best video I've seen to explain how to check ball joints. Your video photographer does an xlnt job detailing things, good focus, good framing, it's all great stuff.
Craig Erickson I don’t think he has a photographer he just sets the camera up it’s all him
ITS YA BOIII Yeah I believe he does this all by himself with some help from his father from time to time.
Craig Erickson o
Just to make it clear, when using the pry bar method you need to make sure the ball joint is not "loaded". You can do this by jacking up the lower control arm or lowering the vehicle onto a jack stand which is under the control arm (this is assuming the lower ball joint is your loaded joint). If you just jack up the vehicle by the frame and let the suspension hang, you may not get any play, even though the ball joint is worn out.
Yup. Video is wrong for SLA suspensions like these. Chris should fix it.
I just made similar comment. Good point!
That makes sense. When you jack the vehicle up you are taking the load off the tire, but the coil spring / strut is still loading the ball joint depending on the setup.
Thanks boys,good info
Was going to say the same but figured I check the comments first
Thanks Chris you the man, people should appreciate you way more than you get credit for.
Once AGAIN you have saved me $$$ and time trying to figure out what that noise was! God Bless u man, keep helping us keep those wheels turning safely!
I appreciate your clear and uncomplicated examples and instructions.
tim Jeffs No problem Tim! That is how I do all of my videos! Glad it was helpful!
great videos bro i learned a lott... im not a mechanic or have experience but now im getting cars fixed God bless u
Thanks for the knowlage. It's never to late learn.
Just replaced front end suspension and shocks front and back on my '99 Ford Ranger. OMG! What a difference! Lovin' my truck as it just turned 20 years July 2019 and 184,000 miles! Woohoo! Thanks Chris!! Love your vids!
Was wondering what that noise was. Found out when my wheel folded in lol
Darn! How bad was the damage?
Glad you made it out alive friend
Skip Gordon Why ?
Ehh... broke the axle on the way down but new ball joint and new axle $95 and I'm back on the road.
@@TeoYankov1234 just saying if you have a balljoint fail at 50 mph. Its basically a death sentence, glad he is still here
As every chrisfix video...excellently done. Thank you.
Keep on trucking bro love your work and tutorials thanks a million
+Yazid Abdullah thanks! I'm glad the videos are helpful!
Thanks Chris. I watch a lot of car repair videos and I'm glad your videos have a friendly and positive attitude.
I have learned so much from his videos and have been watching him for years he's never steered me in the wrong maintenance direction,thank you.
So glad I came across your channel. Everything seems to be breaking on my jeep at the worst possible financial time. Just watching a couple of your videos I feel I can fix a couple things that would cost a fortune from a shop. And I want to have a little know how about vehicles so I don't get ripped off. Thanks for your extensive, detailed videos. It's very much appreciated.
Rochelle Anderson - you ain't the only one...smh
Yep - Chris's videos are the best I've seen, here or anywhere, for actually showing how it is done.
Kelly Medley Hmm, I can only wonder why you have video on your channel titled 'Ex Sex Offender testimony'
Rochelle Anderson welcome to the Jeep Life haha
Rochelle Anderson so do it yourself and don't say someone is ripping you off even when they may not be.
Thanks for the vid Chris. I've been wondering what's the noise I'm hearing, you pinned point it!
after a 3 min video i feel like a mechanic now. im over here diagnosing all my neighbors cars. o riley’s should be paying me a cut for the amount of ball joints i helped them sell. very helpful, great video
Nice and simple, quick and to the point. Overall a great video! Thanks
Chris, I love that you have gained so much confidence over the years. Not that you weren't confident in your older videos; it's just that now you have more assertion in your voice and have developed an amazing online presence. I'm proud to be a follower.
His voice is his voice even if he sounds confident or not you are here watching his videos so yea. Dumbest comment I have ever read on youtube. Good job you deserve a gold star lol.
@@Aaron-hd8ql That’s awfully sweet of you. XoxO. You wanna go out sometime and maybe talk about ball joints? I’ll show you mine if you’ll show me yours. I’m definitely talking about ball joints. 😉
Clear and straight to the point. This is crucial component of the car, and your video clarifies some things. Would love to see how to fix them!
Hey Chris thank you for posting this! Not knowing a lot about steering components I was having a hard time differentiating from a bad ball joint to a bad tie rod end and also found very few resources online except for yours. So again thank you!
Men ! the best tutorial . Bravo 👏🙌👍 thank you
I found this to be very useful as my car has been making such a noise...thanks a lot my guy
I did the lifted tire check with the hands at the 12 and 6 o clock position and it mos def had some play. I replaced the wheel bearings and it's still about the same amount of play. This vid helped me pinpoint the issue to the ball joints. This is on a 74 Charger so I should probably stop procrastinating and replace those old crusty looking ball joints already.
I appreciate your videos Chris. They’ve helped me countless times. (Best Automotive repair youtuber on the web)👍
Trying to figure out if you're a better teacher or mechanic. These are the best, clearest videos for non-gear heads like me. You're seriously lifting the veil to the mysteries of the automobile underworld. lol! Hey, I can't find a 1993 F-150 control arm assembly. Both ball joints need replacing, but it looks easier to replace the whole control arm assembly, and not much more expensive. Any ideas how to get one? No auto parts stores have them.
Try a site like Rock Auto, its a great store for people who drive older vehicles like me. They're inventory is huge.
kittylovermybut i dont think he still needs help its been 1 year
You are correct! I sold the truck after it sitting derelict for 6 months because I realized, despite helpful youtube videos, that I am no mechanic, and that everything I've ever endeavored to do to the truck required the purchase of some kind of specialized tool I didn't previously have. Therefore, I'm leaving that stuff to the professionals and have concentrated on guitar and painting. lol
Christopher D "guitar and painting" haha that's funny. Good luck to you.
it's still good advice for anyone else watching this video .In addition,most of the time RockAuto has the part for less .
The tire wiggle mostly shows the condition of the wheel bearing, but will also show ball joint slop. Better way while it's lifted like that is to pry upward with a pry-bar between the pavement & lower control arm while watching the joints for vertical/horizontal play.
I just learned i have a ball joint problem. I Respect the good sound quality of this channel
I love your voice, it's so soothing after a stressful day.
Thank you so much you’re amazing, Especially for a girl that lifts the hood on her car and I can usually pinpoint what is wrong I just can’t fix it, this one guy needed help on and just by the sound alone that is exactly what my car sounds like..⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👏👏👏👍♠️
@ Chris Fix thank you for these videos! Question: Do I need to get an alignment done after replacing the lower ball joints or control arms??
Thank you so much for this video. I was told that my ball joints are going bad and my knowledge on ball joints aren’t very good and this help me understand what to look for.👍🏻🔥
Thank you so much. I had a friend changing my front brakes and seen the joints needed to be changed. He also saw the tires on the inner side wearing thin. Brought the ball joints and ordered 2 tires from Walmart and I’m good to go now. Thanks so much fir this information. Very informative.
Great vids chris helps me all the time bro
Awesome! Glad to hear it!!!
Both of my front lower ball joints were bad and they caused my steering wheel and car to shake really bad on the highway. For the longest time I thought I had a bent rim or something. but as soon as I replaced the control arm (the ball joint itself couldn't be replaced only the whole control arm) the shaking went away. What a relief because the control arms only costed me $30 each and a few hours of a Saturday afternoon.
That’s awesome! Nice work
ChrisFix thanks Chris 👍
Jake Higgins I was just told during an oil change today that my ball joints are ruined on the driver's side. They said the passenger's side still looks like there is a lot of life left. The only anomaly I have noticed is some shaking when I brake relatively hard right before I come to a complete stop and in my driveway I sometimes hear a pop noise if I am turning in and making a 90-degree turn to back the vehicle up afterwards. Did yours shake or vibrate when you were braking?
TortureBot no mine didn't shake while braking. shaking while braking is usually caused by a warped brake rotor. Does the shaking get worse the harder you brake? If so then it's most likely a warped rotor.
Jake Higgins yes I was wondering if it could be a warped rotor or that my rotors needed to be turned, but I had a complete brake job done about a year-and-a-half ago which included turning the rotors and the shop that I have used for probably 20 years did the work. I have never had any trouble with that shop, but I know that doesn't mean that it couldn't be a rotor. The ball joint problem should be fixed tomorrow while I'm at work. I will comment back and let you know if the shutter or shaking when I brake has went away. It seems to be a little worse when I brake hard but mostly it's shuttering right before I come to a complete stop. It doesn't do this if I'm not driving more than about 30 miles per hour, just when I am decelerating from about 55 miles an hour down to almost zero before I make a turn or something usually.
Just had my ball joint changed and this confirms everything i felt/heard and what the mechanic told me, thanks again !
As always, Thanks and blessings to you ChrisFix!!! I use your methods and advice in every project I do. Cheers from Motown.
Chris fix you are the man!
Thanks! Glad the video was helpful!
Good video Chris. Please consider making a video showing all the parts of a car and its importance.
Yeah that should be a nationwide gradeschool class
Who would thumb down your video. I watched a lot of CZcams car repair related videos and yours are some of the best. For a back yard manic from central Michigan you fill in all the blanks that more advanced guys like my self need that other CZcamsrs leave out. This video you made here is a prime example, like i new about the side to side check , but not the lift check w a big flat head, for clunking noises. That is so helpful, in the past i would have assumed it was shocks. Keep up the good work, you a like and a share from this guy.
Hey Chris...you really saved my a# on this one. I had the same problem but didn't know what was it....I wanted to replace the whole suspension but didn't have money to do so. Fortunately while I waited I came through one of your videos about ball joints. Thank God I was your subscriber, otherwise I probably wouldn't have seen the video.
Great Video Man. Thanks for sharing!
+Herbert Delaney No problem! Glad the video was helpful!
Your methods for checking balljoints will work on some suspension setups but not all. On an SLA suspension system or any other system where a balljoint is your loadbearing member u must load that balljoint (by lifting on the control arm) to check for play. The bar is used to check up and down movement on your upper balljoint. Depending on the vehicle there may be a specification for an allowable up and down play in ball joints, heavy duty ram trucks are 0.080". however no movement in and out is allowable. With most front wheel drive vehicles such as minivans and cars that have strut suspensions that have the strut as the load bearing member the balljoint can be checked without loading the balljoint as it is just a follower.
I agree with ryan, but think he means "unload" and "unloading" instead of "load" and loading. Ironically, I think this truck has a SLA suspension (not sure), so he could have gotten a false negative by jacking car from the center instead of under each lower control arm. His joints must have been really shot for this to work as well as it did.
Dude, your the best, your videos have helped me fix my truck and save serious $$$$. Thanks bro
jeez Chris.. you've been so useful for me since i bought that used 350z.. thanks for this one..
Great video, thank you! Helped out a lot.....Thanks Bro
Chris Fix, I really do appreciate your videos.
I've never regretted subscribing your Channel, thank you for your VAST wealth of knowledge.
Chris i have always enjoyed your videos, thanks for all the great work. I have a question about front end noise on a 2011 escape 4wd. when i press up and down on the front passenger side there is a noticeable clicking sound so i replaced the sway bar links, this made it better but still a problem so i replaced the shock/strut assembly since i saw some oily residue near on the shock but this did not fix the problem either. I inspected the tie rod ends and the lower control arm ball joint and they appear to be ok but i might just replace them to eliminate as a potential source of the problem but what if this does not solve the problem? I am looking for anyone who has thoughts on this issue. thanks in advance
Yeap. That was the same sound I had a couple of days ago. Great video. Right to the point without beating the bush! I took off the right tire and thought it was the metal part that is behind the rotor and I pushed it back. The sound was gone, but it came back again briefly and it was gone again. I decided to take my car to the mechanic, and he showed me that the lower ball joint it was loose. Thank you for your video. Very helpful!
Excellent video! Quick and to the point. Don’t stop young man….keep the videos coming. Thank you!
clear and concise.
Over bottom
Thanks for sharing this video. That's what happening to my honda i know what to do now
Glad the video was helpful
Great Video, straight to the point, very helpful - Thanks Chris 👍
Thanks for keeping it simple brother!Your vids,rock!Keep up the excelllent work!
This is a real mechanic - no gloves and no manicure after a day at the shop!
A real dumb one safety first. Always wear gloves all oil, grease, fluids, fuels that you touch when working on engine's cause cancer. Don't be dumb wear gloves
@@RickC-jg4bj i agree, im here watching this video and seeing his hands and just thinking to myself " please just use gloves" xD
1 IQ
REAL SKIN CANCER
holy shit i went thru 9 videos and none of them mentioned squeaking noises
my boy christopher fixtopher came in clutch
Il check mine later too. Heard some unsual sound.
in reality only the excessive play and if its totally too stiff means the joint is totally ruined..squeaking is just annoying but nothing else (might also mean the ball has something rubbing inside and will ruin it soon)
Every time I have a mechanical problem I search this channel first. Videos are so well made anybody can understand what is being shown. Sure appreciate this young man, he has helped countless people save a LOT of money.
Just got an ‘00 ranger and I’m saving all of these older videos for once I get the frame rot taken care of. Please do more videos on your ‘01 Mazda b/ranger in the future!! That license plate bulb video saved me from attempting to splice in a new bulb socket when some wd40 and fine sandpaper was enough to make a good connection again!
You're awesome. Great vids
+rsanchez7111 Thanks!
+ChrisFix the ball joint is designed to move isnt it? I think the new one is tight because it hasnt been used.As long as the ball itself desnt have play in its case I wouldnt call it faulty.I could be wrong..
You can replace the upper ball joint by cross referencing the Ford Ranger/Motorcraft Part Number and pressing the ball joint out for Mazda B Series Pickups.
Motorcraft is sub par compared to Mazda Genuine Parts
Short and to the point, only the information needed...no bull. Thanks for the tips, very useful info.
OMG OMG!!! I have been going crazy trying to figure out what this noise was....I spent money on stuff that I assumed was the issue and wasn't. When I finally came across this and compared to the noise my car is making it makes sense and adds up. I have a 2004 Honda Civic ex sedan, this noise is very horrible...Thank You so much, God bless.
And here I was thinking that sound was normal
plz make more parts
test video
Please visit my channel to see vehicles video of DIY repair and maintenance.... If you found useful please subscribe too
Thank you for the video! It was extremely helpful bcuz I was trying to find out if the noise was my tire rod or ball joint, now I now!👍🏾
Insanely practical video, bravo!
Plus you'll hear a pop when you make a turn while driving.
It happens to me when I’m slowing down before I get to the light to stop
I was wondering why my car made such a racket while driving over small imperfections in the road?...."I GOT UP-DOWN, SQUIGGLY-SOUNDS, coming from bad ball joints 😭
Thank's Chris, you make it look so easy. Just like 2+2=
We all appreciated Very much your time . I like your "STYLE".
I'm having issues with my van. When I step on the breaks the power stearing shakes bad..!
I'm gonna check the ball join and bearings on both.
Thank's Chris..👏
So helpful! Identification of good/bad ball joint is clear!
All that ball joint examining and he didn't even say turn your head and cough.
Lol
I laughed a little
Mine broke on the trail while off roading, replacing it myself was hard, it is so hard to get out the control arm
Dang! Did you fix it on the trail?
ChrisFix no, Me and my friends dragged it off the trail to the road which was pretty close and loaded it onto the truck, the ball joint let go of the A-Arm and the wheel tore up my fender a little bit, the total repair cost was 80$ because I did it myself
ChrisFix I have just subscribed... your videos are brilliant mate... excellent channel.
I have literally just started work on my old VW T4 that I parked up in barn about five years ago...needs a fair amount of work doing... and I think your videos are going to help me a lot.
Thank you
Really well made video. Good up-close footage and direct explanations.
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the video, however it is a bit too basic in my opinion..... different suspension types have different methods of checking the ball joints. Please elaborate where to Jack up the vehicle based on suspension type to relieve it from spring tension to properly check the balljoint.
Customer: The Labour on fixing those ball joints, how much does that cost?
Mechanic: yes.
Its actually not a hard fix if you are a little mechanically minded. You can buy or maybe borrow ball joint drifts too bang them loose. Take out the old ones and install new ones. Will need a wheel alignment though.😊
All you need is a breaker bar with your lug nut sized socket. A wrench for the castle nut if your ball joints have them, a socket a wrench combo for the balljoint bolts, and a hammer. All of which, if you're an adult you should have in your house. It's one of the easiest repairs to do, which mechanics charge alot for because they have to charge you for the hour, even if it's a 20 minute job.
I just want to say I’m a 49 yr old female who likes to work on my own vehicles, I don’t know exactly what I’m looking for when I have an issue sometimes but your videos are VERY helpful and easy and clear to understand. You are my GO to from now on! Thank you for being so helpful.
This a great video.
This video is both very concise and very informative. Thank you!
You have to unload the ball joint to check it's play...These were completely wiped out so it wouldn't matter but jacking the vehicle up under the lower control arm shows its true condition..
True on short-long arm ("SLA") suspensions, which are often found on pickup trucks and older SUVs; not so much on McPherson struts suspensions (most passenger cars).
Rev up your ball joints!
Hahaha.
Instantly seals lips after said statement
Dun dun dun Dudu dun dun dun Dudu dun lol
Thank u . This helped soo much in determining a problem i could not seem to get a straight answer on for awhile now. Complete and only exacltly what needs to be said. Again Thank u.
Glad the video was helpful!
Wow perfectly demonstrated this is amazing
If yer front end goes all PIDGEON TOED and KNOCK KNEED, yer balljoints are probably screwed
Getting that on my Dodge Rampage, Thanks for that tidbit of knowledge.
You need gloves. Great video
Great no BS video. Exactly the way I was taught to verify ball joint play.
Great video. I'm having my ball joints and an alignment done today.
If you have a ford explorer then you have bad ball joints
sounds like every Ford on the road
janet sers I'm guessing you drive a Chevy that's had 7 engine swaps and a rebuilt transmission?
And new radio , no gm radio last long
Dude, you're good! Excellent, accurate advice. It"s succinct, to the point, and your visuals are extremely helpful.
Thanks a lot!
Bravo man. You’ve been my go to source of info more than you know. Thanks so much for this channel.
Non greasable ball joints suck
ArcticAstrophysics Yea, they do!