if you disconnect the thrust arms at the non-ball joint end you can then grab the arm and shake it around good to feel for any play in the ball joint. just be sure to torque them back up with the car on the ground when done.

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2006 Audi A3 2.0t DSG apr stage 2
2002 BMW X5 4.4
1997 BMW 328ic sport. moreagrun metallic
1989 BMW 325is with / M50b25nv swap