What is a proper way to check ball joints for wear?

Using a pry bar to check ball joints for wear is an effective method because it allows the technician to load the suspension up and assess the movement in the joint. This method can reveal how much play there is within the ball joint, indicating whether it has excessive wear. If the joint shows noticeable movement or if the wear indicator, which is often a part of the design, shows signs of wear or has moved beyond its normal range, it is a strong indication that the ball joint may need to be replaced.

Visual inspection of the color of the grease does not provide reliable data about the joint's integrity or wear. Similarly, measuring rod lengths is unrelated to ball joint wear; this method applies to other components and does not evaluate the condition of the ball joints. Shaking the tire side to side can indicate a problem but is less precise than using a pry bar, as it may not provide enough leverage or feedback on the actual condition of the joints.