Rear ball joints are essentially the main rear pivot point between the wheel and the suspension , and are very important to the vehicle’s overall ride and handling characteristics. ... They will be able to determine if the car needs its rear ball joints replaced, or if another issue needs to be addressed.
How do you check Rear ball joints?
- Take your car out for a drive. ...
- Drive over speed bumps. ...
- Turn the steering wheel. ...
- Check your tyre wear. ...
- Loosen the lug nuts. ...
- Jack up the car and place wheel chocks behind the wheels. ...
- Rock the tyre on its axis. ...
- Remove the wheel.
Do all cars have rear ball joints?
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. Click here to read our detailed article on ball joints.
Are there front and rear ball joints?
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.
What do rear ball joints do?
Ball joints are the suspension component that connect the vehicle control arms to the wheel hub . They are a spherical bearing with a stud encased in a metal sleeve or socket, and serve as the main pivot point between the vehicle’s suspension and the wheels.
Do you need an alignment after replacing 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 do ball joints typically last?
Ball joints typically last 70,000 to 150,000 miles depending on their usage and road conditions. Clunking noises, poor handling, pulling, and abnormal wearing of your tires are all signs of a worn ball joint. If you see uneven tread wear patterns on your tire, you should have your ball joints checked.
Do rear ball joints go bad?
Because they essentially bear the entire weight of the vehicle, they are subject to high stress conditions and will eventually wear out . When they wear out, rear ball joints in particular will produce a set of symptoms that can notify the driver of a potential problem that should be serviced.
How long can you drive on a bad ball joint?
short answer is... it depends on how bad they are. the lower ball joint typically gets more wear than the upper. i’d say, if there’s just a little wiggle in either joint, you should have no problem driving 500 miles .
Which ball joints wear out first?
The lower ball joint usually takes the biggest hits and wears out first. Not only does it need to handle the load of the vehicle, but it also absorbs the shocks of potholes and other bone-jarring road hazards.
Can you drive 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 long do rear ball joints last?
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.
How can you tell if a ball joint is load bearing?
Loaded Joint: To check a loaded ball joint, place a jack or jack stand under the lower control arm to support the weight of the vehicle. Attach a dial indicator to the lower control arm and locate the dial in a vertical position to measure axial runout at the steering knuckle.
How do I check my ball joints?
- Clunky or squeaky noises.
- Drifting to the side.
- Loose or shaky steering.
- Uneven tyre wear.
How tight should you tighten ball joints?
It is vital to torque ball joint stud nuts to proper specifications. Improper torquing will cause looseness that may eventually cause joint stud breakage and damage to the steering knuckle .
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 .
