Signs Of Worn Out Ball Joints

[bansh_88]

I am currently restoring my 1988 Banshee and was wondering what the signs are of a worn-out or failing ball joint. I do not hear any unusual noises are feel any play from them, but was wondering if there are other signs that I can look for that would suggest that they may need replacement soon.

 

As with everything that I have changed out so far (bearings, bushings, etc) all parts of the quad are from the factory unchanged since '88 (quad has had very little use for its age). So even though the ball joints arent giving me any obvious signs of needing replacement, is there anything I can examine very closely to determine what stage of service-life that they are currently in?

 

Thanks a lot for any suggestions or advise, I really appreciate it.

[eldreder]

i Knew mine were worn out on my '87 when i had the lower one pop out of the a arm and i went cartwheeling across the dunes.

 

 

In all seriousness though, mine are terrible, if i grab the wheel and shake it there's a ton of play, if you dont notice that then maybe you're fine.

[Larry's Shee]

i Knew mine were worn out on my '87 when i had the lower one pop out of the a arm and i went cartwheeling across the dunes

 

You're lucky. My son flipped his into a mud hole. It's not good when muddy water runs out when you pull the cylinder

 

As to the ball joints, prop front end up hold spindle with one hand and try to move arm with other. Little movement is ok, if theres a lot ........ not good.