What should be done to properly check ball joint wear?

To properly check ball joint wear, inspecting when the joints are under load is essential. When the vehicle is loaded, it simulates real-world driving conditions, allowing for a more accurate assessment of how the ball joint is performing. Under load, any wear or play becomes more apparent, as the forces acting on the suspension components are at their maximum. This method allows the inspector to observe if there is excessive movement or looseness in the ball joint, which could indicate wear and potentially affect vehicle handling and safety.

In contrast, measuring with a dial indicator while unloaded may provide measurements, but it does not fully represent the performance of the joint under typical operating conditions. Checking while in motion could lead to inaccurate observations due to the dynamic nature of movement and potential for obscured readings. Evaluating only the wear indicator may overlook other critical aspects of the ball joint's condition that are better assessed when the joint is loaded.