Ball joints are the critical component of the front suspension that connect various links and allow them to move. Ball joints consist of a ball and socket similar to the hip joint of the human body. Ball joints of your front suspension provide pivoting movement between the steering knuckles and control arms to provide a safe, smooth ride and allow you to precisely control your vehicle.
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Ball joints consist of a metal housing and a stud that can swing and rotate within the housing. Bearings inside the housing are placed between the ball stud and housing to help reduce wear and friction. The socket is filled with grease to provide lubrication, keep debris and water out of the socket, and maintain noise free operation. A rubber boot, located at the opening of the joint, keeps debris out and grease in. Lastly, the assembly is closed with a method such as the MOOG® pressed-in cover plate.
Many original equipment ball joints are designed as sealed units. If the protective boot fails, water and road debris will quickly cause wear and ball joint failure. Some aftermarket ball joints use an improved greaseable design that allows lubrication to flush out contaminants to extend the life of the joints.
In your vehicle, you’ll find two different types of ball joints – upper ball joints and lower ball joints. While each of these ball joints serve different functions but both work together to keep steering reliable and responsive.
Designed to maintain alignment and absorb radial loads, such as turning forces, upper ball joints enable proper rotation of steering knuckle. Upper ball joints use a follower design.
Acting as a pivot point for the steering system, lower ball joints can either be load-carrying or follower types depending on the suspension design. Lower ball joints use a variety of designs: compression loaded, tension loaded and follower.
In a short long arm (SLA) suspension system, compression- and tension-loaded ball joints are load carrying ball joints that support the vehicle’s weight. These ball joints typically wear faster due to the additional stress on the socket. In MacPherson strut suspension systems, the lower ball joint is a follower design. Although they do not support the weight of the vehicle, they receive loading during cornering and braking.
When you need to replace a ball joint, MOOG has a ball joint for the repair. MOOG ball joints include technologies to increase strength and durability, extend service life and improve ease of installation. They restore like-new steering with application-specific features such as patented pressed-in cover plate and integral dust boot, instilling confidence with each install.
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The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.
Ball joints are one of the main parts of a vehicle’s suspension system.
They help with the operation of the suspension and steering systems, which is why it’s important to keep them in good condition.
But what is a ball joint, exactly?
Keep reading for more details about how these parts function, their importance to your vehicle and when they should be repaired or replaced!
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You can have upper or lower ball joints, depending on the type of vehicle and suspension. The difference is usually that upper ball joints are non-load bearing (also known as “followers”), while lower ball joints are typically load-bearing.
Given the role they play in the suspension system, ball joints are going to experience daily wear and tear. At some point, they need to be replaced.
The constant movement of the ball stud can cause it to become loose and move around inside the socket. As a ball joint wears out, more space develops between the stud and the socket.
The safety of everyone in your vehicle could be at risk if ball joints become too worn out. In severe cases, the stud can pull out of the socket and cause a wheel to become partially disconnected from the vehicle.
Manufacturers often give specifications for the acceptable amount of space between the stud and the socket, which is good to familiarize yourself with. You can also watch for symptoms of worn ball joints, which include:
Ball joints typically last between 70,000 and 150,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and vehicle type. However, regular maintenance and timely inspections can help extend their lifespan.
Driving with a worn-out ball joint can result in severe steering and suspension issues, potentially leading to loss of control of the vehicle. This can increase the risk of accidents and cause damage to other components of the suspension system.
Yes, one common DIY method is to lift the vehicle and try to move the wheel out of its normal plane. Excessive play could indicate a worn ball joint.
Additionally, you can visually inspect for grease leaks or damaged rubber boots around the joint. However, if you don’t have the expertise to perform these duties, it’s best to leave it to a professional (or become an industry pro yourself).
To prolong the lifespan of ball joints, regularly check for wear and tear and ensure they are properly lubricated. Avoid driving on rough or uneven surfaces when possible and follow recommended maintenance schedules for your vehicle.
The Automotive Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) could help you gain the skills to diagnose and repair worn ball joints.
Not only will an education help when working on your own vehicle, you could also take the training you receive and apply it to an in-demand career in the industry.1 The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 67,000 estimated average annual automotive technician job openings in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.41
UTI’s automotive program courses can teach you the fundamentals of repairing different parts of a vehicle, including steering and suspension service and repair. Hands-on labs and classroom learning combine to help give you the foundation of knowledge you need for an entry-level role in the field.18
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