How do I check a wishbone balljoint?

[Paddy_g46]

I have just jacked my car up and checked for any play in the wheel by grabbing it at 12 and 6 and rocking it, very little play which i think is the bearing as it does it at 9 and 3 aswell, but am i checking it right?

 

[Tigger]

I needed one for mine, passed MOT on the basis that I'd get it replaced.
The guy told me that the shakers they have would pick it up a lot easier than checking it for play by hand.

It was hard to tell if there was play in it before I changed it

 

[Paddy_g46]

I needed one for mine, passed MOT on the basis that I'd get it replaced.
The guy told me that the shakers they have would pick it up a lot easier than checking it for play by hand.

It was hard to tell if there was play in it before I changed it

Sorry im confused! The shakers?

 

[geesus69]

jack the car up

put a breaker bar or long lever on top of the wishbone right near the ball joint, then find something to lever against (watch you dont find something breakable or easily damaged) and press downwards

if its knackered you will be able to push it down and see the movement in the bush