I check mine with a channel lock and grip the entire joint and squeeze them together. If there is any play...they need replacing. Good thing with the '86 MM is all the ends and joints have zerk fittings or holes for a fitting. I grease them twice a year and never replaced one of them yet. Try to get replacements with those holes for greasing. Moog also has heavy duty replacement parts for our trucks. Idle and pitman arms they sell were the only ones that lasted. When I pulled our boat it would destroy the idler arm bushings and they fall out. Hasn't happen yet with the Moog's heavy duty arms.