A complete and detailed guide to replacing your Jeep’s ball joints. Applies to Jeep Cherokee (XJ) 84-01, Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) 93-98, Jeep Wrangler (YJ, TJ and LJ) 87-06, and Jeep Comanche
Do jeeps have REAR ball joints?
Also, are the rears as worrisome as the fronts are?
The rear doesn’t have ball joints
, only the front so you can turn. The ball joints are a pivot point for the front knuckles to turn left and right.
How many ball joints do I have?
The connection is flexible, so the front wheel can steer and move up and down.
Modern cars have at least two ball joints in the front end
; many trucks have four. In many cars, a ball joint is built into the control arm and is replaced as one unit.
Should I replace all 4 ball joints?
Recommend Replacing All Of A Vehicle’s Ball Joints At Same Time. A loose or worn ball joint can be dangerous and
should be replaced as soon as possible
. Why? Because if a ball joint pulls apart or breaks, it will cause the suspension to collapse.
How do you check ball joints on a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
A complete and detailed guide to replacing your Jeep’s ball joints. Applies to Jeep Cherokee (XJ) 84-01, Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) 93-98, Jeep Wrangler (YJ, TJ and LJ) 87-06, and Jeep Comanche (MJ) 86-92. You may want to replace all
four ball joints
at the same time.
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.
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…
What are the symptoms of bad ball joints?
- Clunky or squeaky noises.
- Drifting to the side.
- Loose or shaky steering.
- Uneven tyre wear.
Can I replace ball joints myself?
Recognizable for a knocking sound in the wheel well as you execute a turn, fixing old ball joints is an important part of keeping your vehicle road-safe. You can
do it yourself for the price of the parts and the right approach
.
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.
What is a Jeep Death Wobble?
The death wobble refers to
when your entire Jeep starts shaking in an uncontrollable and violent manner
. Not to be confused with an alignment issue or a normal amount of road vibration, the death wobble will impact your entire vehicle, not just the steering wheel.
What causes ball joints to go bad?
Ball joints
deteriorate if dirt, grit and impurities get inside or grease escapes
, leading to a lack of lubrication. Added to this, rusting and general wear and tear also damage these suspension parts. … While healthy ball joints allow for smooth movement from side to side, they shouldn’t wiggle or jolt up and down.
How do I know if my ball joints or wheel bearings are bad?
If the tire rocks by any noticeable degree
, and especially if the movement is accompanied by a clinking or clunking sound, you likely have a bad ball joint or two. This test can also indicate a bad wheel bearing, but that will also grumble and vibrate as you drive in a straight line.
Is replacing ball joints expensive?
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.
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.
How much does it cost to fix a ball joint?
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. However, sometimes they can be as cheap as $150 depending on the repair shop’s labor rates.
