Does this ball joint look worn out or still okay?
It is hard to tell visually whether a suspension component like a ball joint or bracket is completely shot or safe to drive on a little longer. Without physically testing it with a pry bar, car owners are left guessing whether a damaged part needs immediate replacement or if it can wait a few more months.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1using a pry bar to check for play
- 2changing the shocks while working in the area
- 3waiting a few months or evaluating if it can be delayed
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Honestly I can’t tell, I need to try a pry bar or something when I have more time to look at it”source ↗
“Looks like the aluminum bracket is quite damaged. Is this something I need to fix right away? I feel like it's been in this shape for a few years.”source ↗
“Right away, no. Soon, yes. You really don't want that to break and have your shock absorber beating on other things around there.”source ↗
“I changed the shocks today. This aluminum bracket has been in this shape for a few years. Wondering if I can get away with a few more months.”source ↗
“Does this ball joint look shot? Or still ok?”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
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