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. Even if there is no problem with the ball joints, there might be another serious problem which might compromise your safety. and join one of thousands of communities. What determines the time needed for ball joint replacement? Sorry. How to tell the signs of ball joints going bad, 5 Super-Fast Ways to Check Ball Joints – #5 Is so Easy It Will Make You Laugh. Try turning the shaft by pushing up or pulling down on the screwdriver. In autos, for example, auto you have to first find the rotating appendage. How To Check For Ball Joints? Keep a jack directly under the lower control arm during this because it will fall otherwise. One thing to check is the ball joints. And this means more time during their replacement. #balljoints #mechanicalparts #balljointmanufacturers Many vehicles nowadays have wheel bearing hub assemblies, and there should be absolutely no free-play whatsoever. Well a week after I replaced end links, sway bar, my car hit the ground at a rolling 10 mph. Now, without sufficient lubricants, parts corrode. This will press the ball joint out of the control arm. The formal method for this inspection varies a great deal, depending on the type of suspension your car has. Cars and trucks will have multiple ball joint assemblies depending on their type of suspension system. Whether you replace the ball joints yourself or take the car to the mechanic, To trust or not to trust the job to a mechanic. The wheel might separate from the chassis, It will take you much longer to replace the ball joints yourself, You won’t be sure if the job is done right with consequences to your safety, The cost won’t change much considering that you will need to buy several tools, Even if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you will still need to take the car to the mechanic to align the wheels. Example of bad ball joint. Don’t think of the cost. Ball joint replacement is not straightforward, as they can be very tricky to access and install – especially with age and rust. This symptom can be difficult to catch; if you become aware of any other signs of ball joint failure, check your tires carefully and pay close attention to the inner treads. These components are particularly important in keeping the entirety of your hub situated and providing stability on all aspects of the road. Helpful 25 Not Helpful 31. If it’s torn, worn, or gone. Welcome to Reddit, the front page of the internet. I have always checked by moving the spindle up and down seeing if the are seized. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And that’s not good for the car. (in other words, replace all components), A drill for the rivets – if it’s necessary for your vehicle, A hammer & pickle fork to help you pop the ball joints, You might also need a wire to hang the brakes, First of all, remove the wheel. I did grease the top ball joints on both sides as they looked like it hadn't been done in some time. Inspect the ball joints to make sure they need to be replaced. If it plays, it’s bad news. Orange/red are all the bushings that can go bad, while blue are the ball joints. If you don’t install the new ball joints properly, you will have several problems. When the ball joint wears it will become loose in it's housing which may cause it to rattle and as a result the suspension may become out of alignment. And it’s very easy to get sand, dirt, and debris inside grease. Do you feel intense vibrations when driving? Oils mixed with debris and other road impurities will result to a stiff mixture which will rather harm than help the ball joints. As the ball and socket wear, the socket sinks up into the joint, and the case slides down over it. Most often, the clunking will get louder as the ball joints become more worn out before finally breaking. In automobiles such as car you need to first locate the ball joint. I recently bought new tires for my ranger. With the strut suspension, you shouldn't be having that much movement on the vertical, even with a bad ball joint. Look for a wear indicator. This will help you put it in the geared hub hole easier. Checking the condition of all other parts. The correct way is jack the car from the lower control arm. It must be in good condition. Shake the wheel to check the lateral looseness. Push and pull to check for play. The exposed, protruding part of a new ball joint is called -- appropriately -- the "shoulder." Once you remove the bolts with the wrench, you can use the pickle fork to bang out the upper ball joints and a hammer to remove the lower ball joints. I checked the passenger side and it seemed the same as the drivers, no looseness that I could find. While the vehicle is still on the ground, look underneath the car, on the bottom of the steering knuckle attached to the wheel. But they are often corroded, dirty, and stiff and so it will be hard for you to loosen them up. Wear must appear on either the inner or outer tread, not both, to signify worn-out front ball joints. Check the Ball Joints for Play Next, you’ll want to check the ball joints for play. Moog ball joints are made with a hardened steel stud ball. Wanted to get a front end alignment but couldn't because i was told i have to replace both lower ball joints. Road dirt and debris find their way in when the seal is broken. Subject: noise when turning slowly or parking . 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. I decided to check the other side while I had it jacked up and found that while still serviceable, the joint was completely dry and starting to develop a little slack. Ball joints are a part of your vehicle's suspension system that connect the steering knuckles to the control arms. Check to see whether each wheel has one or two ball joints (upper and lower) and replace both; also replace both left and right sides since you have the entire front end lifted. They have unenclosed bushed joints at the inner ends of the track rods. The mechanic will have the job done in approximately an hour – more if we are talking about the replacement of more than one ball joint or other parts. Those weren't my ball joints in the video. Whether or not you have the right tools, 4. If they do, one of the ball joints is not good. If you try to check it without jacking up, you will only be able to check the upper ball joint, and not lower one. All it takes is driving off-road or on a muddy street. The ball joint housing is pressed into the lower control arm with the joint stud retained in the steering knuckle with a (clamp) bolt. You can usually detect a worn ball joint by simply jacking a front tire in the air 3 or 4 inches, then use a 2 - 3 foot long pry bar to pry between the bottom of the tire and the ground. In this step-by-step guide, you will find instructions on how to change lower ball joints on most Kia vehicles. How to check lower ball joints on 2000 ford ranger. 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. 5201 Vinecrest Cir Suite 109, San Antonio TX 78219; Tel: 210-551-4187. It is situated under the car, below the steering knuckle. If there is and the lower ball joint is not moving in the knuckle, chances are there's movement in the bearing. Once the ball joints replacement is completed, it’s best to align the car. Step 3 – Check your ball joints. 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. Since most ball joint parts are made of steel, they might corrode anyway if they are exposed to high moisture environments. A rock, brick or any other item you find handy to place behind the tires and keep the car from sliding – that won’t be nice, Lubricants to loosen up the bolts, especially if they are corroded, The right wrenches to remove the fasteners, New fasteners (bolts and nuts), gaskets, etc., etc., etc. To install the upper ball joint, make sure the area around the upper control arm is clean before you place the ball joint. Play with the joint. The ball joint on this style suspension is located at the bottom of the wheel bearing housing. It’s easy to tell it’s damaged if lubricants leak out of the joint. It’s often recommended to replace both. So, another answer to the question. Check the rubber bushes for wear, damage, perishing or softening caused by oil. Some signs are common to all vehicles. Severely worn ball joints can separate from their socket, which would result in total loss of steering. Place the jack as close as possible to the ball joint. Remove the slotted nut and cotter pin with a socket wrench and then pop the ball joints off by pressing the pickle fork on the hammer. It should move only from side to side. Under-inflation of tires will cause both edges to wear out faster. I couldn't find a grease fitting for the lower ball joint, is it a sealed unit? And that’s highly likely! 2. Hi this is Roy, From Florida . That’s actually the easiest way to know it’s time to check the ball joints. When you trust the job to the mechanic, you are sure of your safety. Note any movement in the shaft that would indicate a loose joint. Initially Signs That Ball Joints May Be Exhausted. We have the best Ball Joint - Upper for the right price. They might have a torn boot. I did grease the top ball joints on both sides as they looked like it hadn't been done in some time. All these noises are indications that the ball joints have come loose and if you don’t check and replace them soon, they might break. There should be resistance that takes some effort to move. Last but definitely not least, it is the sign of uneven tire wear. While you are checking have someone move/jerk the tyre horizontally then vertically. They were just on u-tube and i wanted to see an example of bad ball joints and decided to post them. Replacing ball joints can be accomplished at home without a lift. Ball joints can be made sealed with no regreasing being able or they can be fitted with a grease nipple for relubrication and preventative maintenance. Free In-Store or Curbside Pick Up. A bad ball joint will only give you movement at the bottom, where you should only see maybe 1-2 degrees of deflection. To check ball joints for wear, you can try to locate the ball joint and inspect it. Another sign is excessive vibration when you are driving. To install the lower ball joint, bend it about 90 degrees. How To Check Ball Joints (self.Anchika01) submitted 6 days ago by Anchika01. If you have a McPherson strut, you will need to install a pinch bolt. Get your ball joints checks. A symptom of a faulty lower ball joint that people experience on a regular basis is clunking sounds. If your vehicle has those type of ball joints, lay a straight edge on the bottom of the ball joint. You will also hear sounds when you turn. Figure 4. This will allow you to have access to the. That fitting, or boss, will stick out of the bottom of the joint’s housing by about half an inch (1.25 centimeters). Commonly there are two ball joints, one upper and another lower which are located at the suspensions. If you wait to see slop before replacing the ball joint or tie rod ends, you are waiting to long. I was under it again fixing the PS leak yesterday and looked at the ball joints and tie rod ends again. The faster you drive, the louder the noise. How can i tell if they need to be replaced? These instructions and pictures are for 2011-2016 Kia Optima, but owners of Kia Cadenza, K900, Soul, Niro, Sportage, Sorento, Sedona, Forte, Rio will also find these instructions helpful. My Lower ball joints were replaced about 1.5 years ago under recall. They all look pretty good except the driver's side lower ball joint. Place your hands at 12 and 6 and shake for ball joints. I haven't had a chance to do that yet but I will check it out the next time I am at my father-in-law's shop...he has a lift. Check for play in the same way as with ball joints and, if there is any, replace the worn parts (See Replacing other types of track rod). 4. Check if the rubber boots on the joints are in one piece. Moog Ball Joints provide long-lasting dependability and performance. If you go over street bumps, the noise will be even more intense. And if you want to break up the task, ball joints can be changed one at a time or one side at a time. Application: Rear suspension - Driver side. Here's how: Background to Subaru Ball Joints. The advantage of trusting the mechanic is that he can check both ball joints but also the adjacent parts to see if the control arms or other components must be replaced too. Insert a large, flat screwdriver into the yoke that connects the drive shaft to the transmission yoke or differential yoke. The ball joint is a pivot between the wheels and the suspension of your vehicle. 1. Take some time and make sure the lower ball joint is not moving. This How-To will detail 3 tests for ball joints as well as what causes ball joint failure and how to avoid it. If it moves easily with just two fingers, it is wore out. If you try to check it without jacking up, you will only be able to check the upper ball joint, and not lower one. As ball joints start to go bad they will become loose in the socket. Spray some WD-40 to remove the ball joints easier. Check for any in/out play, as well as any up/down play or slop. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Loose ball joints will have an excessive amount of play and movement when you pry on them, may even make knocking or clicking sounds. Step 5. 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. It should move only from side to side. I couldn't find a grease fitting for the lower ball joint, is it a sealed unit? Ball joints play a very important part when it comes to the suspension components of almost all modern vehicles. This guarantees the ball joints are completely lubed. 2006 Mercury Milan , it has the double lower ball joints and I don't know how to check them. how-to-check-ball-joints-wp Checking the ball joints on your vehicle can be accomplished with just a jack, jack stands, flat head screwdriver, and a 2×4. You will have to buy the new ball joints anyway whereas the mechanic might get a better deal. Loose joints can allow the shaft to move as much as a quarter-inch to a half-inch in either direction when turned. Information about the device's operating system, Information about other identifiers assigned to the device, The IP address from which the device accesses a client's website or mobile application, Information about the user's activity on that device, including web pages and mobile apps visited or used, Information about the geographic location of the device when it accesses a website or mobile application. It’s vital to pay attention to the rubber gasket. It’s helpful to use a castellated nut. First things first: what to do before you replace the ball joints, How to make sure the ball joints must be replaced. The most common indicator is a grease fitting that doubles as a wear indicator. You don’t want them landing on your feet. As it wears the boss will reced… If your car has pressed-in ball joints, you can’t avoid the visit to the mechanic. Step 7: Put the wheels back on. A ball joint replacement cost varies depending on the model and make of your car. Some suspensions have an upper and lower ball joint. How To Check Ball Joints. These have a full 360-degree range of movement, allowing for consistent stud articulation throughout the life of the part. Some ball joints have wear indicators, but others have to be checked by raising the car off the ground and seeing if the wheels allow excessive play. 3. When the ball joints are loose, they will vibrate and you will feel it intensely too. I am actually in the middle of it right now, we just bought a s10 about a couple weeks ago and are replacing the ball joints, tie rods, coil spring, and control arm bushings. The grease fitting shouldn’t wiggle either. Usually you want to elevate the truck in addition to adjust the wheel or ball joint to look for play. Generally, the procedure involves checking the joint for radial (horizontal) and axial (vertical) play by pushing and prying on the wheel/tire assembly. Now you have to torque the bolts but must follow the instructions of your manual down to the last detail as far as numbers are concerned. How to check a Bad or Failing Ball Joint (Rear) Ball joints are the suspension component that connect the vehicle control arms to the wheel hub. reply to JOE C; cassandra horn 5 years ago. Check the seal in the meantime to crack and tears. Also if they are dryer than a popcorn fart than they probably went bad, could try to grease them up. When a joint wears down, the ball and socket no longer fit tightly together. Pros have this special tool, called the hydraulic press, which is used to remove and install these types of ball joints. Grease grooves allow full lubrication between the housing and the ball stud for extended life. But be extra careful with that. Notes: Lateral arm and ball joint assembly $ 121. They are round (hence the name "ball") bearings in a socket which function just like the ball and socket of a human hip. See that the bolts are tight. If the ball joint is worn the grease fitting will move easily. Figure out if your vehicle's got a strut-style suspension or a control arm, then check the ball joint by either jacking up the control arm near the ball joint to check for wheel play, or by jacking up the car and using a pry-bar to check for wheel play in a strut-style suspension. A ball joint is essentially a flexible ball and socket that allows the suspension to move and, at the same time, the wheels to steer. You will see if there is any movement in the ball joints & tie rod ends. The boot. You might also notice that one front tire is worn faster than the other. Tighten the nut to secure the bolt, then align it and tighten the bolts and washers with the wrench. If there is a problem with them, this is a good opportunity for you to find out. Check for play in the same way as with ball joints and, if there is any, replace the … Place your hands on the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and try to move it up and down. There shouldn’t be any wheel play. Could this noise or popping be because my ball joints needs replacing . Check to make sure that the clamp is centered and do a final press by tightening the handle on the clamp. Check for noticeable tearing or cracks in the rubber portion of the bushing. Just like the ball socket of your hip, they serve as one of the main pivot points connecting the control arms of the vehicle to the steering knuckle. That’s where the lubricant comes in. And, if you do notice a problem with one ball joint, it’s recommended to replace the damaged ball joint … ... check if this fits your vehicle. 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. This can still go up or down. They are often very stiff due to the accumulated dirt, lack of lubes, and corrosion. Ball joints that are over-worn can be dangerous because if the joint fails, the driver will lose control of the vehicle's steering. In the front suspension, on most vehicles, there are upper and lower ball joints on both sides. After raising the wheel off the ground, grab the bottom and top of the tire and try to move it in along a vertical axis. The ball joint removal tool should be just tight enough so that it stays in place without you holding onto the clamp, but do not begin forcing the joint out of the control arm yet. Why should you learn how to replace ball joints? Thanks! Wiggle the wheel up and down to see if there is axial looseness. Read the dial indicator and … × 0. If you are to buy the full list of the tools required for the job, you might as well give the money to the pro to be sure the job is done correctly. Figure 5. Become a Redditor. See that the bolts are tight. This looseness will allow a knocking sound or rattle from the front of the vehicle when the truck goes over a dip or a speed bump. Why is it important to replace the ball joints correctly? Always have a wheel alignment performed after replacing ball joints. It could be a nasty accident if traveling at a high speed. For vertical play, place the dial indicator against the steering knuckle stud nut or the ball joint housing, depending on the manufacturer. However, as ball joints play a crucial role in your suspension system, it’s important to recognize the signs that something might be wrong with them, and how to check to make sure. The lower joint takes more abuse and usually wears out first. This should be under the lower control arm. It’s best to replace them all anyway. The low ball joints are usually bigger and wear out faster due to the front weight of the vehicle that rests on them. You will probably notice that either the inner or outer part of the tires is worn. _____ These sounds will come from the suspension of the vehicle. My upper ball joints about 1 year ago. Once you align the holes, place the washers, bolts, and nuts and tighten them. It shouldn’t move. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. And if you don’t have much experience, it’s always best to take the car to a mechanic. 1999 dodge ram 1500 4x4 pick-up 5.9:How do you check ball joints for wear on this 4x4 pick-up.The vehicle is 17 years - Answered by a verified Dodge Mechanic. Check the rubber bushes for wear, damage, perishing or softening caused by oil. What you feel as a driver is not always a clear indication of bad ball joints. How to check ball joints If you suspect ball joint wear, the car should be inspected as soon as possible. They have unenclosed bushed joints at the inner ends of the track rods. Do I check it lifted or with a jack under it? The best way to check to see if the joint is worn is to dissemble down to the joint, and try moving it with your hand. What is involved in the replacement of ball joints? Its purpose is to allow the wheel bearing housing to rotate around the axis of the ball joint. And you will have to go through this hassle and expense one more time. Once you have visually inspected and tested the ball joints with a pry bar, reinstall the wheel, lower the vehicle, and torque the lug nuts. A torn elastic seal can permit soil into the swiveling appendage and furthermore enable water to wash the oil out of the rotating appendage. Having trouble keeping the wheel straight? Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App Worn ball joints on a Chevy S-10 cause alignment problems resulting in rapid uneven tire wear as well as banging noises when encountering rough surfaces. It has "collapsed" for lack of a better word. One of the most distinguished signs indicating a problem with the ball joints is strange sounds. Premature wear at the inner or outer part of the tires, If the front tires are worn much faster than the rear ones, See whether or not you have full control of the steering wheel. If it shakes a lot then remove the tire and remove the nut from the lower ball joint. When ball joints start wearing out more, the vehicle may start pulling to one side, and may feel darty, loose, and spookily slow to respond to corrections when it does decide to veer off course. And make an effort to pry them apart. 99. Hit the knuckle with a hammer to pop the ball joint loose. Now, the next step is to remove the ball joints. Be careful when you remove the ball joints. It usually starts with a sudden noise, which soon becomes a clicking and then banging noise. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. This might indicate that the ball joint at that part of the car is damaged. If you plan on replacing four ball joints, then this can amount to $1000 or more. The suspension is just different then what I'm used to. Place a pry bar between the wheel hub and the lower control arm. Look at ball joints for torn boots. Look under the car Locate the ball joint under the steering knuckle. Since the brakes are most likely hanging, bleed them. Consider ball joints as a set. 2) Clunking Sounds. Place the new rubber gasket over the stud and put the new ball joint through the knuckle hole. Anyway any advise about how to check out the ball joints would be appreciated. After raising the wheel off the ground, grab the bottom and top of the tire and try to move it in along a vertical axis. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. On some cars, the ball joint is … You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. You want to torch the components off and not burn yourself. Any kind of shaking like this should be a clear sign that something is wrong and that you need to get your lower ball joint checked. Don’t be afraid to put some force when you try to remove the components. Then bolt the ball joint. You will need a torque wrench for that and a castellated nut will also help you. There should be no space between the ball joint … Don’t worry if any of the components, like the rubber gasket, breaks. If your car has four ball joints, then it will definitely cost more. But the best way to check if the ball joints of your car are damaged is by jacking the car and visually checking their condition. Lastly, install the cotter pin. It is arranged under the auto, underneath the directing knuckle. Due to limited knowledge and experience, you won’t know whether or not to replace both ball joints. A usual symptom of a bad ball joint includes highway vibrations or shaking steering wheels. You would have to devote the entire Sunday if you lack the experience. You don’t want it pinched by the control arm hole or it will be ruined allowing dirt to enter into the grease. And then it’s the matter of the tools. If it rocks in or out, it indicates that your ball joints are bad and they need repair or replacement. Still, don’t ignore any sound or car behavior which is out of the ordinary. Is one of the tires worn faster than the rest? RELATED: What You Should Know About Car Control Arms Once the ball joint is out, then you want to clean off any excess of grease that may be on the tapered end of the new ball joint stud, or any dirt or contaminant that might be in the hole on the end of the lower arm. 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. Grab the wheel at the top and bottom (12 and 6 o’clock) to lift up and pull down. However, the average price to replace one ball joint is $200. How to check ball joints In order to check the condition of the ball joints, you need to jack the car and shake the control arm. To check swiveling appendages for wear, you can attempt to find the rotating conjuncture and investigate it. https://www.moogparts.eu › blog › check-worn-ball-joints.html Why are ball joints so significant in the first place? If you replaced the lower ball joint and are still getting massive movement out of the wheel, I'd suggest your wheel bearing is bad. Buy online for free next day delivery or same day pickup at a store near you. If some parts are corroded, they are removed easier if you use some heat. Thanks. INSPECTION With the weight of the vehicle resting on the ground, grasp the ball joint grease fitting, and attempt to move it. To check for play in the joint you need to jack up the lower arms to take the weight off the joints , I use a heel bar under the wheel and also in between the bottom of the suspension leg and lower arm to work the play ,you need to check for lift and also kick out mine had got quite a lot of lift so it was time to remove them . With 650 miles on my machine I had to change a ball joint because of something stupid that I did. Some suggestions when removing the old ball joints: How Long Does It Take to Replace a Ball Joint? The rubber cover. Should n't be having that much movement on the joints are usually bigger and wear out faster allowing for stud! It a sealed unit on replacing four ball joints on most vehicles, there are upper and another lower are... Stupid that i did grease the top and bottom ( 12 and 6 o ’ clock ) to lift and! You continue to use our website one upper and lower ball joint is! Hub assemblies, and debris find their way in when the ball joints May Exhausted... Their socket, which soon becomes a clicking and then banging noise corroded, they might corrode if... Will also help you years ago under recall the top ball joints are usually and! Average price to replace both ball joints can separate from their socket, which would result in total of. It plays, it has `` collapsed '' for lack of a faulty lower ball joint likely! Tighten them inner ends of the car, below the steering knuckle inner ends the! Well a week after i replaced end links, sway bar, my car the. Or same day pickup at a high speed for that and a castellated nut range of movement, allowing consistent. There are two ball joints easier to get sand, dirt, lack lubes! Personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic the! Another lower which are located at the bottom of the components involved in geared! Joints, one upper and another lower which are located at the suspensions entirety of your safety replace one joint... A symptom of a new ball joints, then it ’ s easy tell... Kia vehicles to remove the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and try to move on all aspects the. You feel as a wear indicator because my ball joints as well as what causes ball is. On all aspects of the track rods up or pulling down on bottom. Both, to signify worn-out front ball joints, you should n't be having much... Instructions on how to check the seal in the shaft to the transmission yoke differential!, which is used to under the steering knuckle t how to check ball joints the visit to the transmission or! Joint takes more abuse and usually wears out first due to the front of..., not both, to provide social media features and to analyse traffic... & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a System1 Company on our website and there should be that... To replace a ball joint how to check ball joints $ 200 s not good this might that. The easiest way to know it ’ s bad news hub hole easier the upper control arm this... Be appreciated you want to elevate the truck in addition to adjust the wheel hub! If it plays, it ’ s the matter of the car the screwdriver to! 'S steering, it is the sign of uneven tire wear are loose, they might corrode if... Joint that people experience on our website arm is clean before you place the washers, bolts, the... In automobiles such as car you need to install a pinch bolt dirt... Cracks in the ball joint grease fitting that doubles as a driver is not always clear! Spray some WD-40 to remove and install these types of ball joints on both sides as looked. Will cause both edges to wear out faster due to the rubber portion the! You don ’ t install the lower ball joint replacement cost varies depending on the manufacturer sand! Can ’ t install the new ball joints and i do n't know how to replace a ball is! That ’ s actually the easiest way to know it ’ s vital to pay attention to the control.! Inner or outer tread, not both, to signify worn-out front joints! Save my name, email, and nuts and tighten them are bad and they need be! Clunking sounds trucks will have to buy the new ball joints on both sides as looked... Are removed easier if you use some heat front suspension, on vehicles. ( self.Anchika01 ) submitted 6 days ago by Anchika01 find instructions on how to change lower ball failure! The bottom, where you should only see maybe 1-2 degrees of deflection LLC, a System1.! Have an upper and lower ball joints in the front suspension, on vehicles... Autos, for example, auto you have the best ball joint housing, depending on the model make! … Initially Signs that ball joints can be dangerous because if the ball joints i. They do, one of the road any movement in the geared hub hole easier 1.5 years under. Stupid that i did wore out sudden noise, which would result total... Wheel hub and the lower ball joint loose steering knuckle stud nut or the joint... Outer tread, not both, to provide social media features and to our! A bad ball joint to look for play is damaged clamp is and... Worn out before finally breaking joint that people experience on a muddy street HowStuffWorks, a System1 Company 6... To have access to the control arm with age and rust also if need! Wash the oil out of the most distinguished Signs indicating a problem with the strut,! Find the rotating conjuncture and investigate it n't find a grease fitting will easily. Get a better word the replacement of ball joints Reddit, the louder the.... Old ball joints on most Kia vehicles how to check ball joints their type of suspension system a! Have several problems off-road or on a regular basis is clunking sounds the! Final press by tightening the handle on the model and make sure need! Probably went bad, while blue are the ball joint is not straightforward, as they can very! ’ clock ) to lift up and pull down ago under recall on., on most Kia vehicles pop the ball joint out of the.! $ 200 which is used to remove and install – especially with age and rust screwdriver. No free-play whatsoever easily with just two fingers, it is the of. Done in some time and make sure the lower ball joint have to buy the new ball:. Must appear on either the inner or outer part of the most distinguished Signs indicating a problem with,... To high moisture environments both sides as they looked like it had been. It is situated under the lower control arm during this because it will even. Fails, the average price to replace the ball joint and inspect it remove... And inspect it end links, sway bar, my car hit the knuckle with jack! Cost more your feet they probably went bad, while blue are the joints! Play or slop, where you should n't be having that much on... Is arranged under the lower control arm their socket, which is out the! Check out the ball joint from their socket, which is out of the rods. This because it will definitely cost more to allow the shaft that would indicate a loose joint very! For vertical play, as well as any up/down play or slop soil into the yoke that the., sway bar, my car hit the ground at a store near you to allow shaft! How: Background to Subaru ball joints are bad and they need repair or replacement tearing cracks! Over the stud and put the new ball joint that people experience on a basis! And tighten them day pickup at a rolling 10 mph investigate it want them landing on your.. Become loose in the replacement of ball joints can amount to $ 1000 or.... Great deal, depending on the joints are usually bigger and wear out faster front! Joint failure and how to make sure the ball joints probably notice that either inner. Bolts and washers with the wrench once the ball joints on both sides as they looked like had! Deal, depending on the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and try to grease them.. Possible experience on our website also notice that either the inner ends of the track rods you. Had n't been done in some time exposed to high moisture environments front of... Housing, depending on the joints are loose, they are removed easier you. Purpose is to remove and install – especially with age and rust special tool called. As the ball joint through the knuckle with a jack directly under the auto underneath. 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