[FOXCOUPE]

Move the spherical bearing at the end of the control arm by hand with very little resistance.

 

[Han Solo]

If you are referring to the Heim joint at the end of a tie rod with a bump steer kit installed the resistance required to pivot the bearing is of little consequence. They are usually a little stiff to move but what you want to check for is play. Make sure you can't move it up and down in the socket. Grab the wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock with the car jacked up and try to move it in and out. If you do not have any play or loose motion in it the bearing is okay.

 

[FOXCOUPE]

Sorry i'm a dumbass :shakehead Rear lower control arms are what i'm refering to.

 

[Han Solo]

My bad! You said lower control arm and I should have known you were talking rear. Same thing applies though, loose motion side to side or forward and backward would indicate a bad joint. A bearing that moves easily but has no loose motion is still good.

 

[huesmann]

If it just rotates/swivels with ease, you're fine. If you can rattle it around in the "socket" then it's tired.