Wheel bearing vs ball joint?

Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 AUDI A3
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 142,000 MILES
Noticed noise from front suspension after I bought this one. Driving it in my driveway there is suspension noise for sure. The left tire is gone, I noticed some play at the 12/6 movement, how do I know if it's a ball joint or a wheel bearing?
Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 AT 12:15 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Have a helper watch the ball joints while you wiggle the wheel. If there is a ball joint issue, you should see it.

Also, if the tire is bad and it appears to be an alignment related issue, a ball joint is the likely cause.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Also, if you could take a couple of pictures of the tire and upload it for me to see, it should help.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 AT 8:03 PM

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