How much play should there be in the Wheel?

[starcraft]

Hey guys,
I'm trying to diagnose my steering vibration and I just have a quick question...........How much play is there supposed to be in the ball joints on the control arms? My problem is that at highway speed if I turn to the right (pass. side) the car goes out of control (shaking terribly) however nothing happens when I turn it to the left (drivers side). So, today I jacked up the car and found that the right side wheel has a little bit of play when my hands are at 3 and 9 oclock. So, I thought I had found the problem. However, just to check, I went over to the left side of the car and did the same procedure (shaking at 3 and 9 oclock) and there was the same amount of play. Interesting? Is there supposed to be a little wiggle there or is it supposed to be solid?????? Just as a side note, my front right shock is completely blown so I thought that might be the problem. What can it be? I appreciate any help!!

[strad]

If any balljoint anywhere on the car has play, it is worn out and needs to be replaced. You need to check play directly on the balljoint.

[SergeK]

Best thing to do is get the car up on a lift or some jack stands, and try to wiggle the front wheels around. Both front to back and side to side.

[starcraft]

Hey thanks for the replies............. I did shake the wheels around and they move slightly from side to side. Is a small wiggle acceptable??

[Automaticftp]

Question on ball joints--how hard are they to replace? I've been quoted $275 for both on a 94 318i, and in reading the DIY's around that sounds a bit on the high side.....