calijeep

how to tell if my ball joints need replacing. im doing al from end bushings, new track bar and new tie rod set up. should i just go ahead and replace ball joints too?

Desert Rat

Jack up the front end and have a helper try to move the tire back and forth (12 and 6 position), watch for movement in the ball joints. If you don't see any movement your fine, if so they need to be replaced.

calijeep

cool thanks. and when i said "from" end i meant "front end". obviously.

OverlandZJ

Jack the front end up just a few inches off the ground... take a pipe or something and place under the tire. Lifting up and down as you check for movement between the outter knuckle and the inner showing a bad balljoint.

99xj2.5

to add to calijeep, if there's movement when moving at 12 & 6, its ball joints, 9 & 3 tells if there's play in the tie rod, and if there's movement all around the tire, it's most likely a wheel bearing.

caged

check the way overland said. but you'll have to pull up pretty hard to notice any play. once you do it, you'll get the feel for it.

93gc40

IF you are going through the trouble of replacing the bushings, TRE's and Track bar. Chances are the Ball Joints are due for replacement, even if you don't see much movement. Just makes sence to do the Job complete.