Can Ball Joints Be Repaired?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Usually worn ball joints are discovered early on, when they're not a safety hazard, so

the can be planned

and you'll have time to compare options from local auto repair shops. Most shops can perform work on ball joints, and turn-around time is same day.

Can you drive a car with a bad ball joint?

Can I Drive With a Bad Ball Joint? …

You should not drive with a bad ball joint

. Continuing to drive can cause damage to other vehicle components and if the joint fails completely you could lose control of the vehicle, leading to a crash and injuries.

How do you fix a broken ball joint?

In general, ball joints are inexpensive with a range between

$20 to $80 each

. Labor will vary greatly by model. Some vehicles cost as low as $60 to $80. Yet others, especially four-wheel drive trucks, can range from $160 to $200 per ball joint.

Can you rebuild ball joints?

Yes, you heard that right. Instead of replacing the ball joints again, we rebuilt them with a Dynatrac HD Ball Joint rebuild kit. … So if you have all the right tools and equipment, you can rebuild or install a pair of Dynatrac HD Rebuildable Ball Joints in your garage in what will be a long day.

What happens if you don't repair ball joints?

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

.

Are ball joints expensive to fix?

In general, ball joints are

inexpensive

with a range between $20 to $80 each. Labor will vary greatly by model. Some vehicles cost as low as $60 to $80. Yet others, especially four-wheel drive trucks, can range from $160 to $200 per ball joint.

What does a bad ball joint sound like?


Metallic clunking noise

: One of the most noticeable and common symptoms of a bad ball joint is a clunking or knocking noise when the suspension moves up and down. A worn ball joint will begin to rattle inside the socket when driving over an uneven road, rough terrain, potholes or speed bumps.

Who makes the best aftermarket ball joints?

Ball Joints No. of Ball Joints Compatibility All Balls Ball Joint Kit 1 joint

Polaris Ranger
Detroit Axle Ball Joints 4 joints Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Comanche, Wagoneer Suspension Dudes Ball Joints 4 joints Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler ApplianPar Ball Joints 4 joints Polaris Ranger, Polaris RZR

How do you take ball joints apart?

A worn ball joint is not a problem that should be put off—a catastrophic failure of any ball joint will result in your

front

suspension coming apart and causing loss of control of your vehicle.

How long can you drive on bad ball joints?

Generally speaking, you should expect to have to have your ball joints replaced

between 70,000 to 150,000 miles of

driving. Excessive play in the joint can cause additional wear, and if a ball joint fails, your car's suspension could collapse and you could lose control of the vehicle.

What is the average cost to replace ball joints?

A ball joint parts cost for most cars is usually around

$80 – $150 each

, but it can cost as high as $350 each in some luxury or performance cars. Meanwhile, labor cost is usually around $250 – $300.

What are the symptoms of bad ball joints?

  • Clunky or squeaky noises.
  • Drifting to the side.
  • Loose or shaky steering.
  • Uneven tyre wear.

Do I need an alignment after replacing lower ball joints?


alignment after ball joint is not necessary unless your previous alignment was done

when ball joints were bad and loose. If your car is driving sloppy after ball joints replacement, check other suspension…

How long does it take to replace lower ball joints?

It can take

a little over an hour

to get it replaced, so the full ball joint replacement cost will be between $100 and $400. You never know how much the mechanic is going to charge you until you get the replacement done, but it can help to have an estimate beforehand.

How much does it cost to replace all 4 ball joints?

To replace four ball joints, CostHelper readers report paying $360-$2,000, with an

average price of $677

.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.