Why do I need to replace my ball joints? (2024)

FAQs

What causes ball joints to keep going bad? ›

Ball joints deteriorate if dirt, grit and impurities get inside or grease escapes, leading to a lack of lubrication. Added to this, rusting and general wear and tear also damage these suspension parts. The effects of this deterioration are excessive play and looseness (beyond the manufacturer's specifications).

As ball joints wear, this can hamper your ability to steer and control the vehicle. If a ball joint fails, a vehicle's suspension can collapse or the wheel could fall off causing the vehicle to lose control. A bad ball joint is extremely dangerous and can cause serious accidents.

A broken ball joint may be the cause of a mysterious clunking noise or drifting steering. And once they're worn, they will seriously affect your steering and suspension. If a ball joint fails completely, it can even result in the wheel dramatically falling off the car. A scary thought!

Ball joints typically last 70,000 to 150,000 miles depending on their usage and road conditions. Clunking noises, poor handling, pulling, and abnormal wearing of your tires are all signs of a worn ball joint. If you see uneven tread wear patterns on your tire, you should have your ball joints checked.

Their actual lifespan will depend on your driving habits, road conditions and exposure to road splash and salt. As the ball and socket wear together, the normally close tolerance between them will increase and the ball joint will become loose over time.

As you drive more, dirt and grit can get into your ball joints and start to wear out the joint's internal parts. Seals may dry out and crack, allowing oil to leak out and leaving your ball joints unlubricated. And the whole system may loosen up, causing more play than you really want in your suspension and steering.

There's no denying that it's very important to replace your ball joints when needed. However, it's worth noting that doing that doesn't necessarily mean you need an alignment. The only time you need one after replacing the ball joints is if the previous alignment was performed when ball joints were not in good shape.

Ball joint prices range from $20 to $150, while labor charges average between $80 and $200 per hour. The replacement process takes one to three hours. Some shops offer package deals for multiple ball joint replacements, saving labor costs. Usually recommended after replacement, wheel alignment costs $50 to $150.

After driving at the speed limit, take it somewhere with speed bumps and drive it at a low speed. Stop and go a few times, and turn a few times. Noise – this can be a clunking or squeaking noise. Clunking noises are caused by the worn ball joints rattling as the suspension travels up and down over the road.

Considering quality and durability

Remember, investing in reliable ball joints will ensure smoother rides and longer-lasting suspension components.

How often should ball joints be greased? ›

As a general rule, it's advisable to lubricate your ball joints every time you change your vehicle's oil. Typically, an oil change occurs every 3,000-5,000 miles, so this would be a safe and adequate estimate for when to apply grease.

This can lead to a loss of control, causing accidents and endangering your life and the lives of others on the road. Additional Damage: Driving with a damaged ball joint can also lead to additional wear and tear on other components of your vehicle's suspension and steering system.

For driver safety, MOOG recommends that a 'press-in' ball joint is only replaced on one occasion and that any subsequent repair should use a fully assembled wishbone arm. Browse more Technical Content and jump start your technical knowledge with Garage Gurus.

For driver safety, MOOG recommends that a 'press-in' ball joint is only replaced on one occasion and that any subsequent repair should use a fully assembled wishbone arm.

However, driving on bad ball joints can compromise steering control. If you notice that your vehicle is drifting or pulling to one side while driving in a straight line, it could be due to worn ball joints. This can be a serious safety concern, particularly at high speeds or in unpredictable driving conditions.