Is replacing ball joints a big job?

Replacing ball joints is generally considered a moderately difficult job that can take several hours to complete, depending on the vehicle and the specific repair needed. Ball joints are an essential component of a vehicle's suspension system, and their replacement is often necessary when they become worn or damaged.

What are Ball Joints?

Ball joints are the pivoting connections between a vehicle's steering knuckle and the control arms. They allow the wheels to move up and down and turn left and right, enabling the vehicle to steer and navigate over uneven terrain. Over time, ball joints can become worn due to regular use, causing them to become loose and potentially leading to other suspension and steering issues.

Difficulty of Replacing Ball Joints

• Accessibility: Ball joints are typically located in a tight, hard-to-reach area of the vehicle, making them challenging to access and replace.


• Tools Required: Replacing ball joints often requires specialized tools, such as ball joint presses, which can add to the complexity of the job.


• Time Commitment: Depending on the vehicle, the ball joint replacement process can take several hours to complete, as it involves disassembling and reassembling various suspension components.


• Skill Level: Replacing ball joints is generally considered a moderately difficult task, requiring a certain level of mechanical expertise and experience.

While ball joint replacement is not the most straightforward repair, it is a common maintenance task that many experienced DIY mechanics can handle with the right tools and guidance. However, for those without the necessary skills or equipment, it may be best to have the job performed by a professional mechanic.

When to Replace Ball Joints

Ball joints should be inspected regularly as part of a vehicle's routine maintenance. Signs that ball joints may need to be replaced include:

• Excessive play or looseness in the steering


• Uneven tire wear


• Clunking or popping noises from the suspension


• Difficulty steering or poor handling

If any of these issues are present, it's important to have the ball joints inspected and replaced as needed to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the vehicle's suspension and steering systems.

How serious is a ball joint replacement?

Ball joints play a major role in the steering and suspension of cars and can last a long time. However, driving on bad ball joints can cause major damage and total ball joint failure can be fatal. If you're unsure about the condition of the ball joints in a car, then speak to a garage about good quality replacements.

How difficult is it to replace ball joints?

Replacing ball joints is considered an intermediate to difficult job, as it often requires specialized tools like a ball joint press and can be challenging due to parts being seized with rust or road grime. The difficulty varies by vehicle, and upper ball joints are typically harder to replace than lower ones. If you have the right tools and mechanical skills, it's a manageable DIY project, but for tougher jobs or if you are inexperienced, hiring a professional is recommended. 
You can watch this video for a step-by-step guide on replacing ball joints: 1mO'Reilly Auto PartsYouTube · Mar 2, 2021
Factors affecting difficulty

• Tools: A ball joint press is often necessary, which can be rented from auto parts stores. A "pickle fork" or ball joint separator and a hammer are also commonly needed. 
• Vehicle-specific challenges: The process can be more difficult on some vehicles than others. 
• Rust and age: Older or rusted ball joints are significantly harder to remove and may require more force, a torch, or other methods. 
• Upper vs. lower: Lower ball joints are generally easier to access and replace than upper ball joints. 
• Integrated parts: On some vehicles, the ball joint is integrated with the control arm, making the job more complex and potentially requiring the replacement of the entire assembly. 

This video demonstrates a common method for removing a stubborn ball joint: 57sChrisFixYouTube · May 27, 2014
When to consider professional help

• Lack of experience: If you're new to suspension work, the complexity of the job can be overwhelming. 
• Limited tools: If you don't have or can't rent the necessary tools, a shop is the best option. 
• Vehicle is seized: If parts are extremely rusted and stuck, a professional has the experience and tools to handle it without causing further damage. 
• Safety concerns: Ball joint failure can be dangerous, so it's crucial to have the job done correctly. A professional will have the proper torque specifications and can ensure the job is done to safety standards. 

How much should it cost to replace ball joints?

The average cost for a single ball joint replacement is $250 to $500, but this can be higher if you need to replace control arms or have both sides done. For a pair of ball joints, expect to pay around $400 to $750, and the total price may be between $600 and $750 or more if you need a full control arm replacement. A wheel alignment is usually necessary after the repair, costing an additional $100. 
This video explains the cost of replacing ball joints, including parts and labor: 58sTalkingTechTrendsYouTube · Mar 10, 2025
Cost breakdown

• Parts: Ball joint parts typically cost between $50 and $125 per joint, depending on the vehicle and quality. 
• Labor: Labor costs depend on how difficult the job is. 
  • A "bolt-on" ball joint is much cheaper and faster to replace than a "press-in" type. 
  • If the ball joint is integrated into the control arm, you may have to pay for a full control arm replacement, which can cost between $600 and $750 or more for parts and labor. 
  • The total labor time can vary from 30 minutes to a couple of hours per side. 
• Wheel alignment: A post-replacement alignment is a standard and essential step to ensure your car handles correctly and its tires wear evenly. The cost is typically around $100. 

Factors that affect the cost

• Vehicle type: Costs vary depending on the make, model, and age of the vehicle. 
• Complexity of the repair: "Press-in" ball joints are more difficult and time-consuming to replace than "bolt-on" types. 
• Labor rates: Labor costs vary by region and by the specific repair shop. 
• Part quality: OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are often more expensive than aftermarket parts. 

How to save money

• DIY: If you are comfortable with car repair and have the right tools, you can save money by doing the work yourself. 
• Shop around: Get multiple quotes from different shops to compare prices. 
• Check if your vehicle has integrated control arms: Some cars require replacing the entire control arm if the ball joint fails. 

This video explains how to replace a ball joint: 1mCar Performance ProsYouTube · Mar 20, 2025

How long does it take a mechanic to replace a ball joint?

Ball joint replacement can take anywhere from one to three hours. If you can get a packaged deal for multiple ball joint replacements from one shop, it might save you some labor costs.