If the arm is moving the problem is the upper control arm bushings. If the
spindle moves and the arm does not it is the upper ball joint.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Ed Duntz
Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2013 10:47 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Front end looseness

I've narrowed down the play in my left front wheel to the upper control arm.
When I shake the wheel left to right I can see the upper control arm move,
but I can't tell if it's because of the upper control arm bushing, or the
upper ball joint where the control arm mounts. How can I narrow it down?

The issue seemed to come suddenly. I could hear a bit of a knocking from the
front end when I was braking going downhill. By coasting downhill with the
engine off, I was able to eliminate other suspects. It seems to give a knock
as I come to a stop, and then another knock as I move again.

Thanks,
Ed