coil spring and ball joints bad?

[Vref]

How do you tell when the coil springs or ball joints need to be replace? Are there any simple tests?

 

[IH2LOSE]

Ball joints are easey.Raise the car off the ground so the wheels are at least 1" off the ground and then rock the wheel(push at 12 oclock and 6 oclock) and see what type of movement you have.Your actually watching what movement you have between the spindel to the upper a arm and the lower a arm. the reason I point this out is you could have "slop" or movement with the wheel that is caused by a loose or bad wheel bearing.

The reason I sujest only raising the car off the ground by an inch is so you could stick a tire iron under the tire and then lift on the tire iron to see what "slop" or movement you cause.

Now while the tire is still in the air,(as a matter of fact both front tires) your now going to check your tie rod ends by now pushing on the tires at 9 oclock and 3 o clock. Agin your looking for movement in your spindel to where the tie rod end attaches to the spindel.

As for checking coils I belive they need to be changed when ride height is not with in spec,

I hope I have answered your question.I would like to add if I may.This is part of what I consider a saftey check on a vechicle,I run thru alot of other stuff with the balance of the fronst suspention,brakes soft lines and hard,body mounts tire attachement Funny a fellow will spend 2 days washing and waxing a car but never do a saftey check untill they have a problem
Good luck those with more knowledge please chime in here

 

[Vref]

Thanks

 

[Mac]

If you're concerned and you're unsure about doing these tests yourself (I'm with Larry- 100% as described) then take your car in for a wheel alignment at a good shop. As part of the alignment, they'll check all of your suspension and let you know what, if anything, needs work.

-Mac

 

[Vref]

Thanks, no I am not uncertain about the test. That is exactly what I was looking for.



There does not seem to be a exact science on the coil spring issue. I think I just got to do more reading on the subject.

Currently, I am engaged in the carburetor being rebuilt by Jerry z28 camaro , Wiper motor being done at the place in MD and I am working on the heater core/ heater box rebuild. Trying to to keep my projects down to one at a time.