Some ball joints should have
NO visible play
while others can handle up to . 250 inch or more of play and still be considered okay. On an upper/lower control arm suspension (SLA suspension) where the spring seats on the lower control arm, the LOWER ball joint carries the load and is the one most likely to be worn.
What does play in ball joints mean?
Because of the tremendous forces being applied to the joint, eventually all this movement wears down the
ball stud
and the bearings inside the joint. At this point, the ball stud is no longer a tight fit; it has freedom to move around inside the socket. We often refer to this movement as play in the joint.
What does a load carrying ball joint support?
The lower ball joint is the load-carrying joint in this type of
suspension
, while the upper ball joint is the “follower,” with no significant load to support. It acts only as a second pivot point for the steering knuckle. … This creates a tension load, as weight tries to pull the lower ball joint away from the knuckle.
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
.
How do I know if my ball joints are loaded?
To check a ball joint for axial (vertical) play,
leave your vehicle on stands and place a pry bar or 2×4 under the tire and gently lever the wheel up and down
. If the ball joint displays a lot of movement then you are likely outside of the manufacturer’s specs and the ball joint needs to be replaced.
What do bad ball joints 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.
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…
Can you drive on 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.
What are the symptoms of a bad tie rod?
- Inability To Steer.
- A Squealing Sound When You Turn. …
- Uneven, Excessive Tire Wear. …
- Misaligned Front End. …
- A Steering Wheel that Feels Unusual. …
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.
What is the difference between a load-carrying and a follower friction ball joint?
Load-carrying ball joints are designed to support the
weight
of the vehicle while providing a pivot point for the steering system. Follower ball joints are designed to maintain precise dimensional tolerances as well as a pivot point for the steering system. … It acts only as a second pivot point for steering.
How do I know if my ball joints are bad while driving?
Feeling a vibration in the steering wheel while driving
down a level, straight road, or your vehicle drifting to the right or left when going over bumps may also be signs of ball joint wear. Tires – Uneven tire wear may be a sign that your ball joints are wearing out.
What happens if a ball joint breaks while driving?
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.
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
.
