I am going to replace the front left and right control arms and inner and outer tie rods on my 2002 V70 T5, 95,000 miles.I can not determine if the control arm ball joints are bad but am planning on popping off the control arm and inspecting the ball joint prior to ordering parts. How do I determine if the ball joints are bad or not? I have no knowledge of the "feel" a good one should have.

I really do not want to replace them unless necessaryas they appear to be a pain to press out and press in, taking the hub off the axle and all.


Also, any thoughs on raising the engine to get the right control arm off?

Thanks,
Brent

 

If there is play in the tire at 12 and 6 there is play in the balljoint.

For the right arm it is a pain and you have to go slow and work both screws out at the same time to push the arm away from the subframe.