Wheel bearing vs ball joint?

2011 AUDI A3
142,000 MILES • 4 CYL • TURBO • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 2,008 POSTS
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?
Dec 2, 2023 at 12:15 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 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
Dec 2, 2023 at 8:03 PM