Checking For Wear In Wishbone Balljoints

[Dave_McC 0]

Following on from my post about where to source 309 wishbones, I finished dismantling the drivers side suspension tonight. This started with the car failing its MOT on play in the balljoint (and split driveshaft boots). Before I started dismantling, there certainly did appear to be a bit of up / down play in the balljoint - but now the wishbone is removed, with the "stub" of the balljoint held firmly in a vice, I can't detect any play in the balljoint. If the balljoint was knackered, would it show up like this?

 

I have had the suspension apart on this side recently - could I have the dreaded ovalled hub, in which case how can I check / tell? Surely I can just tighten the pinch bolt a bit tighter to take out any slop?

 

Any advice gratefully received!!

 

Dave

[Miles 331 1 Cars]

You'll be surprized what feels good to the hand and when on the MOT ramp fail's, I;ve had this a couple of times now and even looked at it when done and the loading makes a huge differance, One reason why I would never touch a S/H wishbone.