A mechanic said my lower ball joints had excessive play. He used Channel Locks and was able to compress them ever so slightly. I would guess no more than 1mm.

There are no suspension issues and the car tracks perfectly. What is considered excessive play? He said there should be no mov't when compressed with Channel Locks but I find that hard to believe because there must be some clearance in order for the ball joint to operate smoothly.

 

Anyone?

 

Your mechanic is correct. The ball joint should be tight with no play.

 

I have never seen specs on this from honda and it would be pretty hard to measure. but he is correct, they should not have any play.

 

Thanks for the responses. Can this be a source of suspension sqeaking?
I've narrowed it down to a lower ball joint or a stabilizer bushing.
When he did squeeze the lower ball joint though I did not hear any squeaking noise.

 

I agree, no movement.

The "squeaking" could definitely be coming from the ball-joint, a ball-joint "squeezed" with "Channel Locks" would not make the same noise, [if any] as when the ball-joint is moved by the cars suspension. 94