Another failure point on the M.O.T was offside suspension arm excessive play in a ball joint. Have had a check myself (novice) then got a freind who knows a lot more about cars to look who questions the failure. What i really need is a sure way of finding and checking which ball joint it is and even if it has got play just need a point in the right direction i am competent enough to repair the faults. Has anyone got any tips for me! Cheers

LeeChester, May 2011

there are not usually three balljoints on each arm,more likely one outer balljoint at the hub and two inner mounting bushes,if it said offside balljoint then I would concentrate on that side,jack up,support with stands, and get hold of the wheel and pull back and forth at 6 and 12 oclock then try at 3 and 9 oclock and feel for excess play

cdc, May 2011

what it means is ,what we normally call a "wishbone arm", which will have 3 balljoints - 1 or more is knacked...normally these are pressed into place and so you replace the complete arm...fone a few auto shops for a price...they will not be dear.

david, May 2011