sings of ball joints going out..

[BrianO]

I already know the SVO has a unique ball joint and can't be replaced, but what are the signs of this part going out? vibration? turning sounds? what?

since this is a used car and the SVO is new to me, I want to figure out what all the sounds are so I can address them. I know I have sway bar bushings and stuff that need replacing along with shocks..

back to the ball joint...how can you tell?

[Ken Potter]

I don't have any pics at the moment but there is a wear indicator / button on the bottom side of the ball joint where the grease fitting would normally be located.

Basically flush means low mileage and sticking out a bunch means about gone IIRC. Please excuse my technical ignorance and I'm sure somebody here can give you something more specific.

[tateg]

Isn't it the other way around? Sticking out means still good?

Edit:
Found online:

* LOWER LOAD CARRYING ball joints are found on front- and rear-wheel drive vehicles where the coil spring or torsion bar is on the lower control arm. You'll also find them on the rear suspension of 1985 & up FWD Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac & Oldsmobiles, too.

Joints with built-in wear indicators (most GM and Ford RWD cars, rear joints on the FWD GM cars, and GM RWD vans, S10 & S15 Blazer) must be checked with the full weight of the vehicle on the tires on the shop floor or on a drive-on style ramp -- not with the wheels up or the suspension supported by jack stands.

No measurements are required if a joint has a wear indicator because internal play is indicated by the position of the grease fitting boss. The boss protrudes about .050 inches on a new joint. As the joint wears, the boss recedes into the housing. The joint is considered "good" as long as you can see or feel the edge of the boss protruding from the housing. But if the top of the boss is flush or below the housing, it's time to replace the joint.

[Rob Hughes]

Is there anything one can do to help maintain them and increase the longevity?

[Ken Potter]

I'm not sure that is why I used the IIRC. I'm getting old I guess...

If I was closer to home I could do a comparison between the Barrett-Jackson car and one of the other higher mileage ones. I'll be going up there tomorrow I hope...

[onthegosvo]

Photo of the wear indicator?
I am not sure if it is a wear indicator or just part of the ball-joint assembly.

IMG_1637-2.jpg

[Ken Potter]

That is what I was thinking it was...

Where is Mike when you need him?

I know the ball joint stud rests in a nylon cup captured inside the arm. From what I remember being discussed as the nylon wears down it forces the pin / stud / wear indicator down and out. So flush would be newer / good and worn would be sticking out.

I could be wrong but I don't think so, this time at least?

[BrianO]

so the button in the middle of the round part is the wear indicator?

[Ken Potter]

Yes. Now if we can just get an absolute on whether worn status is in or out?

[drquest]

My vote is in for worn....

Ignore the edit

[tateg]

If it is sticking out it is still good. As the ball joint wears on a lower arm it is pulled up and away from the arm. The wear indicator follows up and in. In is bad.

FWIW. I had a recent alignment and was given a clean bill of health with mine sticking way out. I also have a set of very low mileage spares where they are sticking WAY out. Out is good.

Edit:
Here's a photo of a brand new ball joint to illustrate the point.

[BrianO]

ok, good stuff.. I had my car at the muffler shop and I check out the ball joins while it was on the lift. The tab in the middle is still sticking out. one is out farther than the other, but both look good in reference to what is posted above.