OK well I think I have to replace my ball joint. But how can you tell which ones need replacing ? The upper or the lower? Is there a way of finding out , besides taking everything a part and inspecting. Thanks

 

just put it on a lift and inspect them closely....

 

You only have a lower ball joint, it's on the lower control arm.

The only other ball tye joint is the tie rod end.

 

I have to change mine also. I took the car for an alignment when I found out, basically how the mechanic showed me was the car was lifted and he started to move the wheel left and right and you can see the play from the ball joint. For yours its most likely the lower ball joint which is connected to the control arm. I f you get the part at the dealer they will only sell it to you with the control arm which will make it cost more (i was quoted 198$ cdn). there are some that was able to get just the ball joint (any other parts place will have it paid 60$ cdn). they had to have it pressed in. I dont have a press and will try it without one. Not sure how difficult its going to be. I have the part but its just a matter of installing it. Let me know how yours go

 

In order the check the lower ball joint (there is no uppper ball joint on a McPherson Strut system) is to jack the car up so that the wheel is about 1 inch above the ground (on Jack Stands!!). Then see if there is any play between the lower A-frame assembly and the wheel hub.

NOTE that on most of these cars that you need to replace the WHOLE lower A-frame in order to change the ball joints.

You can also check your tie rod ends by taking a hold of the wheel and try to twist it side to side. If there is play, then you can hold the tie rod end and have someone else twist the wheel side to side to see if you feel the movement on the tie rod end, while you hold it. They can be changed, but you'll probalby have to have the front end re-alligned when you are done.

Mike