How to Diagnose Issues with Ball Joints and Tie Rod Ends on Off-Road Vehicles.
When it comes to keeping your offroad daily driver in top shape, ball joints and tie rod ends are key components to check. If they’re worn out, it could mean poor handling, unwanted noise, or even safety issues during your offroad adventures. Fear not—we’ve put together a simple, hands-on guide to help you diagnose any issues.
Tools You’ll Need
- Vehicle jack under the lower control arm
Signs of Trouble
Before jumping into the steps, here are a few symptoms to look for that could suggest you have bad ball joints or tie rod ends:
- Excessive movement in the joints
- Wandering or loose steering
- Strange clunking or knocking noises, especially over bumps
- Uneven tire wear
If you're experiencing any of these, it’s time to put your vehicle to the test.
Step 1: Testing the Upper Ball Joint
- Use your vehicle jack to lift the front wheel by placing it under the lower A-arm. Make sure the wheel is off the ground but only lifted about 1-2 inches.
- Hold the tire with both hands at the 12-and-6 o’clock positions (top and bottom of the tire).
- Push and pull the top and bottom of the tire inward and outward.
- Observe the upper ball joint closely. If you see movement or play, then the upper ball joint is likely worn out and needs attention.
Pro Tip: Don’t confuse tire flex with joint play. Be firm, but also look closely to pinpoint the movement.
Step 2: Testing the Lower Ball Joint
- Keep the jack positioned under the lower A-arm and lift the wheel slightly (1-2 inches off the ground).
- Slide a jack handle or pry bar under the tire as leverage.
- Pry upwards by lifting and lowering the tire gently with the handle, creating an up-and-down motion.
- Watch the lower ball joint carefully. Any visible movement in the joint means it’s likely worn out.
Step 3: Testing the Tie Rod Ends
- Again, keep the jack under the lower A-arm with the wheel off the ground.
- Hold the tire at the 9-and-3 o’clock positions (sides of the tire).
- Push and pull the tire left and right in a rotational motion.
- Look at the steering system closely. If the tire moves side to side but the steering wheel doesn’t follow, the problem is most likely play in the tie rod ends.
Step 4: Repeat for the Other Side
These tests are essential for both front wheels, so make sure you repeat them on the other side of your vehicle. You can’t judge the health of your ball joints or tie rod ends based on one side alone.
When It’s Time to Replace Ball Joints or Tie Rod Ends
If your tests reveal excessive movement, worn joints, or damage, it’s time to replace those components. JBA Offroad upper control arms are highly recommended for off-road and daily-driver off-road vehicles. They’re designed to be durable and serviceable and include replaceable ball joints that are simple to swap out.
Did you know? Proper maintenance, like regular greasing with high-quality automotive grease, can help extend the lifespan of your ball joints. JBA Tech Support even reports customers reaching 100,000 miles with proper care!
If you have any questions about your suspension, reach out to JBA Tech Support:
- Phone/Text: 215-660-3770
- Email: sales@jbaoffroad.com
Bonus Pro Tip
If you’re doing a lot of rugged off-roading, investing in quality components is a must. JBA’s red upper control arms are built for extreme environments and tough terrain, ensuring longevity and reliability no matter where your adventures take you.
Make the upgrade and put the original JBA red in your wheel wells today!
Need more info about how long your ball joints should last? Check out this helpful FAQ from JBA Offroad.