I installed new lower ball joints a few months ago. Felt good, no problems. A few days ago I put in a new driver side axle. I noticed my ball joint had grease all over where it bolts into the lower control arm. Seems like the boot got crushed? Do I need a new ball joint?

 

Overtime it may develop some sloppy play. If you can't replace it now, monitor it because you'll have to replace it sometime soon.