Ball joint check method

[vancouver86/911]

What is the best driveway (no hoist) method to check the condition of ball joints in a 911?

[WIL84911]

I thought the wheel shake method if bearings are good means ball joint problem.

[gregwils]

I am assuming no hoist does not mean no jack. Get the wheel in the air. Find a large bar - 1.5' - 2' (2x4 could work), needs to be long enough for leverage from bar. Stick it under wheel, just beyond the inside edge of the tire. Lift the bar until the wheel starts to move. A bad ball joint will feel like...well....a loose joint. You may need a partner to lift while you watch. You can put your hands and 12 and 6 o'clock, but you need to distinguish a ball join from a bearing.

[vancouver86/911]

Does the control arm need to be jacked up as well or will a faulty ball joint present itself with the suspension hanging down?

[tazzieman]

Originally Posted by vancouver86/911

Does the control arm need to be jacked up as well or will a faulty ball joint present itself with the suspension hanging down?

Possible with suspension hanging down but...
When you think of it , it doesn't become bad overnight. At what point does wear become apparent , and can the backyard tests be sensitive enough to feel it? At the click/knock/play stage it's obvious. If the rubber boot is torn or the car has a healthy number of miles (notwithstanding the fact it might have had a hard life at some point) I would be looking at replacement. Apart from getting the nut off , it's an easy job Then you'll be good for half a lifetime.
What's your situation?