Ball joint replacement might be expensive, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. The cost of the repair will vary depending on whether the track control arm needs to be completely replaced or whether simply replacing the ball joint and possibly the bushes would do. Despite the fact that ball joints are frequently sold separately, it is not always enough to just replace the ball joint. You can read on to learn why this is so and what you need to be aware of in the paragraphs that follow.
When a ball joint is installed on a cast track control arm, you can frequently get away with merely changing the ball joint if the track control arm bushings are in good condition. However, if the track control arm bushings do exhibit signs of deterioration, you want to think about changing the track control arm altogether.
Even if the bushes are in good condition, it is not always enough to replace the ball joint in the case of a sheet steel track control arm where the ball joint is forced into the track control arm. There are two factors that must ALWAYS be taken into account while replacing a ball joint because the contact surface between the ball joint and the track control arm is relatively constrained for this type of arm. To begin with, check to see if there are any signs of cracks near the track control arms or holes where the ball joint is. Next, make that the holes are circular and have not grown larger as a result of normal wear and tear or earlier replacements. This sort of ball joint is frequently locked in place using a locking ring, however this does not always ensure that the ball joint will remain in place.
Triscan supplies both full track control arms and component ball joints and bushings for both cast and steel sheet track control arms, depending on the make and model.
In most cases, removing the track control arm is necessary in order to replace a ball joint that is forced into it. As a result, you ought to think about changing the entire track control arm.
- The largest steering program in Europe belongs to Triscan and has more than 6.600 references.
- Triscan supplies both full track control arms and component ball joints and bushings for both cast and steel sheet track control arms, depending on the make and model.
WARNING WHILE INSTALLING OR REMOVAL:
- Never re-use nuts or bolts; only install brand-new ones.
- Never use air tools as a rule!
- When assembling or disassembling parts, never use a hammer; instead, use a hydraulic press or a suitable puller.
- After changing ball joints, bushes, or entire track control arms, check the car’s tracking.
In This Article...
What Do Ball Joints Do?
The automotive equivalent of the human shoulder is a ball joint. Consider a ball and socket arrangement where the stem fits into the tire/wheel assembly and the base attaches to a control arm.
The stem (socket) rotates to keep the wheel assembly on the ground when the control arm oscillates up and down in response to shifting road conditions. This stem has a separate rotational capability from the base.
When we spin the steering wheel, this pivot point enables the tire/wheel system to revolve smoothly.
At the Shop
A basic service check at the shop or a yearly state inspection will reveal the majority of damaged ball joints. The specialist “shakes the car’s front end while it’s being lifted Worn portions will move excessively when a tire is slowly rocked from side to side and up and down “play, demonstrating that they are worn.
Symptoms While Driving
A worn ball joint will sound like it is snapping while making a slow, abrupt rotation. Imagine removing the ball from the socket, then releasing it. The same goes for your tires, which may show worn ball joints or other front end parts. Any unequal wear should call for a visit to the shop for an inspection.
Replacement: Urgency, Repair Time & Costs
Repairs shouldn’t be put off because doing so could increase costs because worn-out ball joints will cause uneven tire wear and accelerate the deterioration of other front end components.
Typically, worn ball joints are identified early on, before they pose a danger to your safety, allowing you to plan the repair and weigh your options from nearby auto repair businesses. Ball joints can typically be worked on by most businesses, and turnaround is same day. Generally speaking, ball joints cost between $20 and $80 per unit. By model, labor will vary significantly. Some cars only cost between $60 and $80. Others, particularly trucks with four wheels, can cost between $160 and $200 per ball joint.
Prevention
We can’t really do anything to stop ball joints or any other front-end component from deteriorating.
Some ball joints have grease fittings that allow for the regular addition of fresher, cleaner grease to tighten up crevices and extend the life of the joint, although these fittings are usually found on older model cars. The best plan of action is to keep up with suspension maintenance in order to reduce overall wear.
Are you looking for a nearby technician to complete the inspection or are you confident you can handle the repair yourself? Start with Openbay to compare prices from reputable neighborhood stores, and then book your service with a single click.
Following ball joints, do you require alignment?
Simply said, for you to have effective control over your car, the wheels must be routinely aligned. Although it may be called a wheel alignment or tire alignment, an alignment is always done to the wheels of your car.
The purpose of an alignment is to make sure that your car’s wheels are as flat to the ground as possible, that they are directed straight ahead with your steering wheel, and that they turn on the right axis when you steer. All of this is important to guarantee good vehicle control as well as even tire wear.
Camber, caster, and toe are the three factors that the repair specialist will consider when conducting an alignment. Each of these three terms relates to the following:
- The angle of the wheels when viewed from the front of the vehicle is known as camber. Positive camber is when the top of the wheel is inclined away from the automobile, while negative camber is when the top of the wheel is tilted toward the car. Camber is measured in positive or negative degrees. An extreme example of negative camber may be observed in any image of a “stanced” car.
- When observing the car from the side, the steering axis is angled. Your car’s caster angle should, in theory, be at 0 degrees; otherwise, it will either be more unstable or more difficult to turn.
- When viewing the car from below, the toe is the angle the wheels are pointing. Your car suffers toe alignment troubles if both of your wheels aren’t pointed precisely in the same direction at all times.
There are a few indicators that your wheels require alignment:
- Your tires’ tread wear is inconsistent.
- When your wheels are facing straight forward, your steering wheel is out of center.
- Even when you are not using any steering inputs while you are driving, your automobile keeps pushing to one side.
After replacing your ball joints, it’s a good idea to get your alignment checked because driving on damaged ball joints for a long might affect the other parts of your steering and suspension system, which will further affect your alignment.
Are ball joints difficult to replace?
The vehicle should be evaluated as soon as possible if you suspect ball joint wear. Replacement of a ball joint is not simple since they can be difficult to access and install, especially as they get older and rusted. The ball joint is incorporated into the control arm on various automobiles. It is preferable to go to a garage for a professional inspection if you are unfamiliar with the suspension and wheel assembly.
How long does changing a ball joint take?
A ball joint replacement normally takes an hour, but depending on a number of variables, it may take less or more time. The make, model, and year of your automobile, as well as any steering or suspension problems that need to be fixed as part of the job, are some of the key variables that may affect how long it takes to have a lower ball joint changed.
Should I swap out both the upper and lower ball joints at once?
Many mechanics advocate replacing both joints at once. The stud hole in the steering knuckle should also be inspected when ball joints are replaced, particularly if the ball joint stud has cracked or is loose.
Should I change the control arm entirely or only the ball joint?
Due to improper maintenance of suspension geometry when navigating bends or uneven roads, certain customers’ tires may prematurely wear out. According to experts, control and isolation are the control arms’ two main functions on contemporary vehicles. We’ll go through the significance of changing control arms and bushings when necessary in this Tire Review Continental Tire Garage Studio video.
Replace control arms in pairs at all times. The most frequent causes for changing a control arm are worn or torn bushings, although some customers will respond “Really, I don’t need to replace both, am I right? To people in the sector, this is like to saying, “Can you only fill it halfway when you change my oil? It is safe to anticipate that the right control arm bushings will be equally worn out or close behind if the left control arm is worn out or the bushing is ripped and creating noise.
Usually composed of steel or aluminum, control arms are durable but vulnerable due to the rubber bushings inside. The rubber inside the bushings could degrade, dry rot, crack, or split with time. Customers may notice unusual tire wear or an apparent misalignment of the steering wheel while the car is moving straight ahead in this situation.
The ball joints are another factor that makes it necessary to replace these parts in pairs. Normally, ball joints cannot be replaced separately, necessitating the replacement of the entire control arm. These control arms should also be changed in pairs since the ball joints are crucial to the alignment of the vehicle. Examine the ball joint boot and keep an eye out for grease leaks, cracks, or dry rotting.
The following justification may seem excessive, but a control arm needs to be replaced if it has been harmed or bent by a significant accident or a negligent tow truck driver. It is not acceptable for customers to operate damaged control arms.