How do you check a Subaru ball joint?

Checking a Subaru Ball Joint
To check a Subaru ball joint, you can follow these steps:
1. Lift the Front Wheels:
– Lift the front wheels off the ground and set the car on jack stands to ensure safety and proper access to the ball joint.
2. Use a Pry Bar:
– Use a large pry bar to try to wiggle the control arm up and down while leveraging against a support, such as a cinder block.
3. Check for Free Play:
– If any free play is noted or felt at the ball joint while using the pry bar, it indicates that the ball joint should be replaced.
4. Rock the Wheels:
– Rock the wheels and check for play, ensuring that the car is securely jacked to accurately assess the ball joint.
It’s important to regularly inspect the ball joints and make any necessary replacements or repairs to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the vehicle. If you suspect a problem with your ball joint, it’s crucial to confirm the issue as soon as possible to avoid potential safety hazards.

How can a worn ball joint be detected?

Take your car out for a drive
Vibrations – when a ball joint wears out, it becomes loose which can create a vibration that you can feel through the floor or the steering wheel while you drive. Steering wheel wandering to the left or the right – worn ball joints cause the steering to pull from left to right on its own.

What sound will a bad ball joint make?

This again if there’s excessive play and there’s clunking noise and locking noise. It’s also time to replace that ball joint. The less common side of a ball joint is going to be alignment.

How much does it cost to replace a ball joint on a Subaru?

The average cost for a Suspension Ball Joint Replacement is between $252 and $345.

What sound does a bad ball joint make?

This again if there’s excessive play and there’s clunking noise and locking noise. It’s also time to replace that ball joint. The less common side of a ball joint is going to be alignment.

How do you check to see if your ball joints are bad?

So with both tires securely off the ground. You want to grab the 12 and 6 o’clock positions on the tire. Wiggle. It back and forth pushing in and out feeling for any play.

How long do Subaru ball joints last?

Ball joints usually last between 70K and 150K miles, but they can fail any time.

How do I know if my ball joints or tie rods are bad?

They can make everything else seem loose especially outer tie rod ends. And upper. And lower ball joints because the hub bearing when is coming apart. So much like that.

Do you need an alignment after replacing ball joints?

There’s no denying that it’s very important to replace your ball joints when needed. However, it’s worth noting that doing that doesn’t necessarily mean you need an alignment. The only time you need one after replacing the ball joints is if the previous alignment was performed when ball joints were not in good shape.

Is it OK to drive with a bad ball joint?

What are the risks of driving with a bad ball joint? A worn ball joint is not a problem that should be ignored. If the wear becomes severe, the stud may separate from the housing resulting in immediate loss of control of your vehicle.

How do mechanics check ball joints?

Experienced mechanics will also just check play by the feel, listening closely for any clicking or easy motion that suggests the ball joint is worn out. Alternatively, you could have a helper look closely at the joint itself to see if it appears loose as you move it.