Attach the dial indicator clamp to the lower control arm and locate the dial in a vertical position to measure axial runout at the steering knuckle. Place a jack under the ball joint and load the joint by raising the jack. Turn the steering wheel and observe the ball joint to check lateral runout.
What size are ball joints?
Dimensional Data Standard Series Ball Joints
| Nominal Size (NPS) | Size Code | Dimensional Data (inches) Refer to Illustrations |
|---|---|---|
| 3/4 | 12 | 2.56 |
| 1 | 16 | 2.62 |
| 1 1/4 | 20 | 2.91 |
| 1 1/2 | 24 | 3.25 |
Are all ball joints the same size?
In the front suspension, on most vehicles, there are upper and lower ball joints on both sides. The low ball joints are usually bigger and wear out faster due to the front weight of the vehicle that rests on them.” 2. How often do they need to be replaced?
Are left and right ball joints the same?
When opening the package, the ball joints are different. They look to be the same overall size, however one has a large washer/lip at the mid point, while the other is the same width from top to bottom till it tapers down near the dust boot. They both have the same part number on the package.
Do upper or lower ball joints wear out faster?
Depending on the type of suspension, most cars have both upper and lower ball joints. The lower ball joints are usually larger and wear out faster due to the weight of the front of car that rests on them.
What are the 2 types of ball joints?
There are two kinds of ball joints. Ball joints are classified as either load-carrying or follower types, and their position in the suspension varies depending on the suspension design. Load-carrying ball joints are designed to support the weight of the vehicle while providing a pivot point for the steering system.
Do you need an alignment after replacing ball joints?
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.
How much play is acceptable on ball joints?
250 inch or more of play and still be considered okay. The only way to know if a joint is worn, therefore, is to refer to the OEM service specifications and to measure play (both horizontal and vertical) with a dial indicator, or check the joint’s built-in wear indicator if it has one.
How do I know if my front ball joints are bad?
What are the Most Common Signs of Worn Out Ball Joints?
- Clunking or rattling noises coming from the front suspension.
- Excessive vibration in the front of the vehicle.
- Car wanders, steering is off to left or right.
- Uneven tire wear.
How do you know which ball joints are load-carrying ball joints?
The lower ball joint on a vehicle with MacPherson struts is a follower joint. Because load-bearing ball joints carry vehicle weight, they usually wear first. If the coil spring is seated between the frame and the lower control arm, the lower ball joint is the load-carrying joint.
Should I replace upper and lower ball joints at the same time?
Many technicians recommend replacing both joints at the same time (both lowers, both uppers or all four). Another item that should be checked when ball joints are replaced is the stud hole in the steering knuckle — especially if the ball joint stud has broken or is loose.
What happens if a ball joint breaks while driving?
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.
What happens if you drive with a messed up ball joint?
In the worst case scenario when a ball joint completely breaks, the wheel is free to move in any direction, causing a complete loss in steering control as well as damage to whatever the freed wheel hits, which is often the fender and/or other steering and suspension parts.
Can you put a grease fitting in ball joint?
Most manufactureres use sealed ball joints that do not come with grease zerk fittings. Theoretically, these ball joints will not need any extra grease and are sealed up tight so contaminates can’t get inside, but if you notice a groaning while turning then the culprit might be a grease-thirsty ball joint.
Are ball joints and tie rods the same thing?
A ball joint is connected to the top and bottom of the spindle, while the tie rod end connects to the spindle and controls its pivot which allows vehicle to be steered.
Are ball joints in the rear?
Ball joints are the ball and socket joints that hold your control arms to your spindles. Ball joints are most commonly found in the lower arms of front suspensions, depending on your vehicle you may have four ball joints on your front suspension and some ball joints in the rear of your vehicle.
Where are ball joints located?
front suspension
Ball joints are ball-and-socket joints in the front suspension that serve as the pivot points between the wheels and suspension of your vehicle. On each side, the lower ball joint is pressed into and rests in the lower control arm, while the upper ball joint rests in the upper control arm.
Which ball joints are best?
Best Ball Joints Reviews
- MOOG Ball Joint.
- TeraFlex Ball Joints.
- All Balls Ball Joint Kit.
- Detroit Axle – Front Upper Lower Ball Joints.
- Rough Country Ball Joints.
- ACDelco Suspension Ball Joint.
- ApplianPar Front Upper and Lower Ball Joints.
- Alloy USA 11801 Suspension Ball Joint Kit.
How long do ball joints last?
While ball joints may last 70,000 miles or more, they don’t last forever. Their actual lifespan will depend on your driving habits, road conditions and exposure to road splash and salt.
How many ball joints does a truck have?
Most trucks have four ball joints; two load-carrying and two follower ball joints. The load-carrying ball joints are considerably larger and experience a higher wear and tear rate due to the weight of the front car that rests on them.
Can ball joints cause tire wear?
Worn Lower Ball Joints typically will cause inside edge wear on tires, which will be worn smooth, while worn upper Ball Joints will cause outside edge wear. Excessively worn ball joints can also make a clunking noise which is caused by the stud banging into the socket.
Contents