In what position must ball joints with wear indicators be checked?

Ball joints with wear indicators must be checked in a loaded position because this simulates the actual conditions under which the vehicle operates. When the suspension is loaded, the weight of the vehicle compresses the suspension components, allowing the ball joints to function as they would while driving.

In this position, any wear or damage in the ball joints will be more pronounced, as they are subjected to the same forces and angles during regular use. This ensures a more accurate assessment of their condition, which is critical for vehicle safety. Checking them in an unloaded state or while the vehicle is in motion would not provide a reliable evaluation of their functionality, as the dynamics of the suspension system change drastically under different loading conditions.