Wheel bearing vs ball joint?

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?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 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

Wheel bearing vs ball joint?

1 Reply

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