Ball joint plays a vital role in your car wheel and suspension because it helps them to move. If the ball joint is loose, your car break will fail which is very dangerous. So it should have functioned properly. If it’s starting to getting rust or wear ou, do no wait to replace them.
Do not worry about replacement cost, it is very affordable. Most people get confused about ball and socket joints, although they are like cousins. These simple tools do not require much time to replace.
Before replacing the ball joint, you should know about the symptoms, cost, and other basic things so the mechanic won’t tell you to give extra charge. You will be aware of the solid price. When you notice any symptoms, do not wait to take the car to a mechanic.
About Ball Joint
Ball joint works with the suspension and steering system that the wheel can run vertically and maintain its axis so the wheels will be perfectly positioned while you are driving. Without this ball, you can not steer your car.
Every modern car has multiple ball joint function. Most vehicles have an upper and lower ball joint. The lower ball joint gets much more vehicle pressure and weight than the upper ball joint, so it wears out quickly.
It looks like a round steel ball mounted on a metal housing. It works constantly so they will become very loose over time. Normally a ball joint lasts from 100000 to 20000 km. But if you drive harshly, it can be damaged at any time. The socket has a synthetic material lining that holds the ball snug and the joint has a cover to prevent wear out quickly.
Bad Symptoms That You Need to Replace It
Ball joint replacement is needed when you see some symptoms. You should know the ball joint failure sign so you can replace it quickly. Remember, if you are late, the replacement cost will increase. Some of the most common symptoms are,
- Worn ou ball join makes a loud clunking noise when you are driving. Your car seat will also move and bump. It will make anyone scared and lose driving control. The tire will be seriously damaged if you drive the car for a long time with this condition.
- The steering wheel and the whole car started shaking. Even it can happen when you are on a flat and well paved road. Although little shaking is normal when you are driving, when you can not control the steer anymore, you should not wait to take your car to a repair shop.
- Car alignment gets damaged and the tire wears out easily.
- Wheel alignment also could be improper.
- Ball joint boot and grease will be leaking.
How to Replace Ball Joint
First of all, the mechanic will jack up your car then remove at least two tires so they can reach the ball joint and suspend the car well. If the ball joint is at the front, they will remove the front wheel. After that, they will remove the control arm and worn-out ball joint. There are ball joint separator tools that will be used.
The ball joint does not need to be repaired. It is inexpensive so replacement it is better. After replacing the ball joint, they will reinstall everything exactly like before. While doing the process, the mechanic will check your car for other problems and fix them. It will save you time and you do not have to do multiple repairs. After that, the mechanic will give a goad test.
When Should You Replace The Ball Joint
It is very important to know when the ball joint should e replaced. Although you already knew that when the ball joint is worn out, you should not wait to replace it. The ball joint can be won out over time or facing any steering problem. When you see any symptoms, call a professional, or take your car to a repair shop. The mechanic will check up the ball joint condition and tell you if it needs to be replaced or not.
The ball joint should be checked regularly. When you take your car for oil and filter service, tell the mechanic to check the ball joint too. If your car ball joint requires grease, check for the leakage otherwise many components could be damaged. Apply grease on the ball joint regularly. Sometimes they make noises because of low lubricant.
Do not drive your car with a damaged ball joint, otherwise, the tire will damage. Diagnose the ball joint at least once every 6 months.
Is It Important to Replace a Ball Joint?
You can handle the steer because of this ball joint. So it is the most important component to keep you safe. Driving a long time with worn out ball joint can lead to a serious accident as well as the steering and other parts of your car will be damage. Also, you can drive in the correct direction if the ball joint is steady.
When the ball joint fails, the whole system of your car won’t work properly. Do not let the wheel be altered. Also, save your vehicle from the high repair cost.
Ball Joint Replacement Cost
The replacement cost depends on the car model and where you take it. Different model has different parts and the price is different. But the average cost will be nearly $500 or more. It also depends on the damage condition. It is better to purchase multiple ball joints so the mechanic won’t charge you for that. Also if you purchase other parts, the cost will reduce. If you don’t have to replace all the balljoint, the price will be less.
Ford f series model will require $45 to $50 parts cost and $130 to $180 labor cost. Chevrolet requires $38 to $120 parts cost and $230 to $290 labour cost. Toyota’s model requires the same price. Nissan, honda cr v, honda civic, and honda accord require almost $30 to $150 parts cost and $100 to $150 labor cost. Other car models will require various costs.
How to Save Money On a Ball Joint Replacement
If you don’t want to spend much money, you can replace the ball joint by yourself. It is not hard to do at your house. Although sometimes it is very hard to take out the old ball joint if there is any spring compressor has. You can use a machine to take it off. Remember, saving money is not means you win the game. The process should be accurate.
If you are not comfortable doing the process, do not go further. First of all, make yourself confident and gather a tool called ball joint press. It helps to disassemble the parts easily so you can take off the ball joint and replace it with a new one. Consult with a professional before replacing it.
Can You Drive a Car with Bad Ball Joint?
Many drivers think that it is not necessary to replace a ball joint and they drive their car for long with a worn out ball joint. This should be absolutely prohibited. It can cause serious damage to the car as well as the passengers too.
Leave a Reply