How do I tell when I need new ball joints?

Are there certain noises or signs I need to look for? Or certain things I can feel when turning or driving?

Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum!

There may be indications while driving that your ball joints are worn beyond limits and need replaced, but the only real way to tell is to try to manipulate the ball joint and check for play in it. Since they’re under tension and compression virtually all the time, it’s best to do this with a pry bar.

 

In some vehicles (like the ~35,000 1st gen Tacomas still on the road), the ball joint will wear out without noise or change in feel. The only reliable way to detect a worn ball joint is typically to jack up the vehicle by the frame and stick a pry bar under the joint to check for play, like this: