Ball joint: common defects and their signs

1. Free play.
   • Knocks from the front wheels when driving over bump at a low speed.
   • If play is significant the wheel may rock during driving.
   • The car deviates from a straight trajectory.
   • Significant force is needed to turn the steering wheel.
2. Lubricant wear.
   • Unusual knocks when moving through potholes and bumps.
   • Tyres on the front or rear axles  wear out unevenly.
   • Turning of the steering wheel comes with a creaking sound.
   • The wheels change their position on the road.
3. Mechanical damages.
   • Foreign sounds from the wheel when driving on a rough road.
   • The vehicle changes trajectory on its own.
   • Uneven wear of tyres.
   • The steering wheel turns harder, creaky sound is heard during this.

How to repair or replace ball joint?

Sometimes it is possible to perform component repair, for example, replace the fastening or sealing elements. But this can be performed only at a service station and only if the component didn’t suffer corrosion. However, manufacturers recommend to replace the whole component if it is broken down, because driving with a faulty ball joint is very dangerous for the car and passengers. If you have certain skills and a special remover tool, you can do it yourself. You’ll need to perform the following actions:

1. Render vehicle stationary, unscrew the bolts retaining the wheel, and lift the car body with the help of a jack.
2. Unscrew the nut of the ball pin.
3. Detach the component from the arm with the help of a remover tool and unscrew fastening bolts.
4. Demount the defective part.
5. Install a new component on the car, treating it with special anti-corrosion compound first.
6. Reassemble in reverse order.

It is necessary to replace the ball joints as a set on each car axle.
It is advised to replace the ball joints at a service station.
Average operational lifetime: 90 000 – 100 000 kilometers. It can significantly vary according to car operation conditions.

Types:

1. By construction:
   • made as a single unit;
   • integrated into the arm.
2. By mounting axle:
   • for the front axle;
   • for the rear axle.
3. By mounting side:
   • left;
   • right;
   • multipurpose.
4. By mounting location:
   • upper;
   • lower;
   • multipurpose.
5. By functions:
   • bearing;
   • guiding.