One of the most important aspects of car safety is its ability to steer properly. Steering issues can make any ride dangerous, which is why you mustn’t ignore them. That’s also the reason why you should learn more about one car part called a ball joint.
But what is a ball joint? What does a ball joint do? In short, a ball joint is a car component essential for smooth steering, suspension articulation, and overall handling performance.
This article will tell you all you need to know about ball joints, their use, repair, and much more, so keep reading!
What Is a Ball Joint?
A ball joint is a spherical bearing that connects your vehicle’s control arm to the steering knuckle. It’s basically a metal ball enclosed in a socket. As such, a ball joint works similarly to the human hip joint. It allows movement in multiple directions while supporting weight and absorbing impact.
- In other words, ball joints help your front wheels turn when you turn the steering wheel, while also moving up and down with the suspension.
- Without them, your steering and suspension would not work properly (or they would not work at all).
Overall, ball joints are made to endure a lot of stress and wear and tear. Thanks to their durability, you can drive over potholes and make sharp turns.
Yet, over time, these ball joints can get damaged or worn out, which is something we will discuss further down in the article.
Where Are Ball Joints Located?
Usually, ball joints are located at the front suspension of a car, because most cars have front-wheel drive. Additionally, most cars have upper and lower ball joints for each of their front wheels.
It is worth mentioning that some cars only have the lower ball joints. Still, no matter how many ball joints your car has, one thing is clear - they are essential for steering and suspension.
Types of Ball Joints
There are several types of ball joints, with two main types being lower ball joints and upper ball joints. Lower ball joints are found on the lower control arm. Most of the time, their role is to carry the vehicle’s weight, which is why they wear out faster.
Upper ball joints are located on the upper control arm. In general, they support the steering motion, and they don’t get worn out as fast as the lower ball joints do.
Another way one can classify ball joints is based on the place where they are nested in the chassis:
- Control Arm Ball Joints - they connect the control arm to the car’s chassis.
- Tie-rod Ball Joints - they connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle. Stabilizer Link
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Ball Joints - they connect the stabilizer bar to the car’s suspension.
What Does a Bad Ball Joint Sound Like
When one of the ball joints in your car starts to malfunction, you will first notice it by the sound it starts to make. If you hear clicking or grinding sounds, it’s a telltale sign that at least one of your ball joints isn’t working properly.
However, you should also watch out for some other warning signs. For example, one such sign includes unusual vibrations in the steering Wheel, especially as your driving speed increases.
- Additionally, if you notice uneven tire wear, it might be a sign that one of your wheels is wobbling due to a worn ball joint.
- When steering, do you feel your car is pulling more to one side? Or does it feel a bit loose at the steering? It’s another symptom of a malfunctioning ball joint.
- Finally, the most reliable way to find out if your ball joints are malfunctioning is to have your mechanic inspect them.
Why You Must Replace a Bad Ball Joint
By now, it is obvious why driving with a bad ball joint is so risky. Imagine you are driving on a busy road, planning to turn left, but as you turn your wheel, your car starts to go in a completely different direction.
That could lead to a car crash, which is why you must replace a bad ball joint.
Additionally, a severely worn ball joint can break apart. As a result, it will cause the suspension to collapse and possibly result in total loss of steering.
This can cause a blown tire, damaged suspension parts, or even an accident. That’s why replacing a failing ball joint isn’t just a maintenance task; it’s a safety measure.
How to Remove and Replace a Ball Joint
Most drivers go to the mechanic to replace their ball joints. However, if you are confident you can do it on your own, here are the steps you should follow:
- Step 1: Raise the car and support it on jack stands.
- Step 2: Remove the wheel to access the suspension components.
- Step 3: Disconnect the control arm by unbolting the faulty ball joint from the control arm and the steering knuckle.
- Step 4: Separate the ball joint using a specialized tool, such as a pickle fork or press kit.
- Step 5: Press out the ball joint in case it’s riveted or pressed in.
- Step 6: Install the new ball joint by pressing or bolting it into place.
- Step 7: Reattach the control arm and steering knuckle.
- Step 8: Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle.
- Step 9: Do a test drive somewhere with not much traffic to see if everything is working properly.
Best Tools for Ball Joint Replacement
As mentioned above, you will need specialized tools to replace the faulty ball joint with a new one. If you don’t know where to find such tools, take a look at our picks:
Ball Joint Press Service Kit for Most 2WD and 4WD Vehicles and Light Trucks
This 10-piece tool set makes it easy to remove press-fit parts like ball joints, U-joints, and brake pins without taking off the control arm. Built from heavy-duty forged steel, it fits most 2WD and 4WD vehicles, as well as light trucks:
21pcs Ball Joint Removal Tool Kit for Most 2WD and 4WD Vehicles
This 21-piece tool set is built from forged carbon steel with rust-resistant coatings. It includes a full set of adapters and a durable carrying case for organized and professional use:
Conclusion
Ball joints are the essential component of your car’s steering and suspension system. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to control your car, especially when turning or driving over uneven roads. That’s why replacing worn ball joints should be your top priority!
