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How do you check ball joint as part of routine maintenance?

How to Check Ball Joints

1. Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Place chocks behind the wheels for added safety.

2. Locate the ball joints. Ball joints are typically found on the lower control arms of your vehicle's suspension. They are usually black or silver in color and have a ball-shaped end.

3. Inspect the ball joints for damage. Look for any cracks, tears, or other signs of wear and tear. Also, check for any looseness or play in the ball joints.

4. To check for play, try to move the ball joint by hand. If there is any movement, the ball joint is probably worn out and needs to be replaced.

5. Repeat steps 1-4 for each ball joint in your vehicle.

You should check your ball joints every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. If you find any wear or damage, be sure to have the ball joints replaced as soon as possible. Driving with worn ball joints can be dangerous as they can affect your alignment.