Ball joints on today's cars and trucks generally last longer than those used 20 years ago. However, if your car has more than 50,000 miles, inspect the ball joints carefully. Some joints are equipped with wear indicators located on the bottom plate near the grease fitting. If the indicator is flush with or recessed into the housing, the ball joint should be replaced. Unfortunately, many ball joints do not provide them. To properly inspect these types of joints, you'll have to unload them according to the manufacturer's specifications. When checking a friction ball joint, replace the joint if you detect any significant movement beyond that specified.

The steering linkage also requires careful inspection. On conventional systems, the pitman arm is subject to a great deal of stress. To check it, raise the vehicle and turn the steering wheel back and forth. The pitman arm stud and the rest of the steering linkage should move smoothly as one unit. Replace the arm if it doesn't move at the stud. One note here: On some vehicles, the pitman arm stud is part of the centre link, not the pitman arm.

Also, make sure there's no excessive vertical movement in the idler arm assembly. Generally, no more than 1/8 inch of movement in either direction is allowed. However, consult the OEM specs before condemning it.

Inspect the tie-rod ends closely and move the steering linkage back and forth to check for looseness. Replacing non-greaseable tie-rod ends in the early stages of wear will significantly lengthen tire tread life.

Inner tie-rod ends on rack & pinion steering applications cannot be inspected visually, but can be a high-wear item. On front-wheel drive cars, they suffer torque loading on acceleration and opposite shock during braking. To check for this type of wear, raise the vehicle by the frame, grab the tires while an assistant turns the steering wheel back and forth and check and feel for looseness.