Front end knocking? Ball Joint maybe?

[djidentity]

I noticed a slight knocking when I turn my wheel while driving, coming from the front driverside. So, I went home, jacked it up, and rocked the wheel from side to side. I felt about 1/2-1" of play and knocking when I rocked it. When i drive, usually 60mph or higher, it shakes the stearing column.
I did the same thing to the passenger side, and have no play at all. Feels fine, but I can hear it knocking on the other side.

I was actually getting ready to replace my brakes and rotors at this time. Im still new on the brakes and suspension stuff so i am not sure exactly what this knocking and play is. Is it a ball joint, bearing or tie-rod? Any input would be good. That way when I do my brakes I can replace the needed part as well.


Thanks a lot to any suggestions.

[comatoseculture]

You'll have a better idea if you can jack it up and have someone else move the steering while you look underneath and touch what's moving/making noise and pin point what part yourself. As it is, loosely, your description could be any of those three. Well, it doesn't seem like a bearing, but it could be tie rod end, ball joint, rack, etc. Try to look underneath while someone else moves it. I think that will help you.

[djidentity]

Thanks much. Ya its tough to get someone else to rock it while I check, but my girlfriend said she will do it! Hahaha. I just def needed a second opinion from someone else. Thanks again. Ill peep into it and see how it plays out.

[comatoseculture]

Yeah we will help where we can. The gf's are def a good ally with something like this. You prob will be able to determine what is making noise. Best of luck, try to follow up when possible.

[xekushnr]

jack the car up (from the frame, not suspension) until the wheel is a few inches off the ground and stick a crowbar or pry bar under it. push up on the wheel and see if there is any up and down play. if there is, thats your ball joint. I've seen some knocking under turning due to worn strut mounts as well. just something else to keep in mind.

you can also do a general tie rod test by moving the wheel by hand left and right while the car is in the air. if you notice play, get someone to move the wheel for you while you get behind it with a flashlight to see whether its the inner or outer.

[djidentity]

Well the verdict is in. It is the outter tie rod. Looks old as s*** too and the boot is like a buldging spinal disk! I went to do my brakes and checked everything out while doing that... only prob is, now Im having a prob with the brakes! I made a quick post, and its prob something simple but I just cant figure it out... thanks for the heads up on the front end issue.