Is it worth replacing ball joints?
Yes, it is generally worth replacing ball joints if they are worn or damaged. Ball joints are critical components in a vehicle's suspension system, and their proper functioning is essential for safe and smooth driving. Replacing worn ball joints can improve handling, stability, and overall vehicle performance.
What Are Ball Joints?
Ball joints are spherical bearings that connect the steering knuckle to the vehicle's control arms. They allow the wheels to pivot and turn, enabling the vehicle to steer and maneuver. Ball joints are subjected to significant stress and wear over time, and they can become worn or damaged, leading to various issues.
Signs That Ball Joints Need Replacement
- Excessive play or looseness: If you can feel or hear a clunking or knocking sound when turning the steering wheel or going over bumps, it may indicate worn ball joints.
- Uneven tire wear: Worn ball joints can cause the wheels to be out of alignment, leading to uneven tire wear.
- Difficulty steering: Worn ball joints can make the steering feel loose or sloppy, making it harder to control the vehicle.
- Vibration or shaking: Damaged ball joints can cause the vehicle to vibrate or shake, especially at higher speeds.
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic and consider replacing the ball joints.
Benefits of Replacing Ball Joints
Replacing worn ball joints can provide several benefits, including:
- Improved handling and stability: New ball joints will restore the proper alignment and responsiveness of the steering and suspension, improving the vehicle's handling and stability.
- Reduced wear on other components: Worn ball joints can cause additional stress and wear on other suspension components, such as control arms and tie rods. Replacing the ball joints can help prevent further damage and extend the life of these other parts.
- Enhanced safety: Properly functioning ball joints are crucial for maintaining control of the vehicle, especially during sudden maneuvers or emergency situations. Replacing worn ball joints can improve the overall safety of the vehicle.
- Smoother ride: New ball joints can help eliminate the clunking, knocking, or vibration that can occur with worn components, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride.
In most cases, replacing ball joints is a worthwhile investment to maintain the vehicle's performance, safety, and longevity.
Is a worn ball joint expensive to fix?
Replacing one ball joint costs an average £90 and is generally more cost-effective to replace them in pairs. You can expect 4 ball joint replacements to cost in the range of £250 to £700 depending on the make and model of the car as well as the cost of associated parts such as the control arm.
What happens if you don't replace ball joints?
When ball joints are severely worn or damaged, your car's suspension system may not properly support the weight of the vehicle. This can lead to instability, wobbling, and difficulty maintaining control, particularly during turns or sudden maneuvers.
Do you need an alignment after replacing ball joints and control arms?
There's no denying that it's very important to replace your ball joints when needed. However, it's worth noting that doing that doesn't necessarily mean you need an alignment. The only time you need one after replacing the ball joints is if the previous alignment was performed when ball joints were not in good shape.
What is the average cost to replace ball joints?
For mainstream cars, the estimated replacement cost for a single ball joint ranges from $200 to $350, including parts and labor. Non-greaseable ball joints are more affordable, costing between $100 and $200, but have a shorter service life.
What are the symptoms of a bad ball joint?
4 Signs Your Vehicle Needs The Ball Joints Replaced
- Clunking, Rattling Noise.
- Loose, Wandering Steering Feel.
- Harsh Cabin Vibrations.
- Uneven Wear On Front Tires. A loose ball joint in the front suspension will introduce some "play" that allows one of the front wheels to come out of alignment with the other.
What are the symptoms of a failing ball joint?
Watch out for these symptoms of worn ball joints:
- clunky, knocking noises, particularly when going over bumps.
- creaky or squeaky noises when the suspension moves.
- drifting to the side.
- shaky or loose-feeling steering.
- uneven or premature tyre wear or feathering.
When replacing ball joints, do I need to replace control arms?
Yes, the upper control arm must be replaced to replace the upper ball joints. The lowers are pressed in, but it's easier and not much more expensive to do the whole arm there too. The hub/ bearing assembly has to be replaced as a unit, and I'd do both of them because the other one probably doesn't have much life left.
Can I drive with a bad ball joint?
You shouldn't drive anywhere. A ball joint allows steering rods, for example, to move and change direction. A broken ball joint will stop or hinder this movement.
How long will a worn ball joint last?
70,000 to 150,000 miles
Answer: Any joint that exceeds the vehicle manufacturer's maximum allowable wear needs to be replaced. 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.
How urgent is it to replace ball joints?
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.
