Is there a warranty on ball joints?
Ball joints are a critical component of your vehicle's suspension system, ensuring smooth steering and stability. If you're considering replacing your ball joints or have recently had them serviced, you might be wondering whether they come with a warranty. In this article, we'll explore the factors that determine ball joint warranties and what you should know as a vehicle owner.
What Are Ball Joints and Why Are They Important?
Ball joints connect your vehicle's control arms to the steering knuckles, allowing for smooth movement and flexibility in the suspension system. They play a vital role in ensuring proper alignment, steering precision, and overall safety. Over time, ball joints can wear out due to regular use, exposure to road debris, and lack of lubrication, making replacement necessary.
Do Ball Joints Come with a Warranty?
Yes, ball joints often come with a warranty, but the specifics can vary depending on the manufacturer, the type of ball joint, and where you purchase or install them. Here are some key points to consider:
- Manufacturer Warranty: Most ball joint manufacturers offer a limited warranty that covers defects in materials or workmanship. These warranties typically range from 1 year to a lifetime, depending on the brand.
- Installation Warranty: If you have your ball joints installed by a professional auto repair shop, they may provide an additional warranty on the labor and parts. This warranty usually lasts for a specified period, such as 12 months or 12,000 miles.
- Aftermarket vs. OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) ball joints often come with more comprehensive warranties compared to aftermarket options. However, high-quality aftermarket ball joints may also offer competitive warranty terms.
What Does a Ball Joint Warranty Typically Cover?
A ball joint warranty generally covers defects in materials or workmanship. However, it’s important to note that warranties do not cover damage caused by improper installation, misuse, or normal wear and tear. Always read the warranty terms carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.
How to Ensure Your Warranty Remains Valid
To make the most of your ball joint warranty, follow these tips:
- Keep Records: Maintain all receipts and documentation related to the purchase and installation of your ball joints.
- Follow Maintenance Guidelines: Regularly inspect your suspension system and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
- Choose a Reputable Installer: Have your ball joints installed by a certified mechanic to ensure proper installation and avoid voiding the warranty.
Conclusion
Ball joints often come with a warranty, but the terms can vary widely. Whether you're purchasing OEM or aftermarket parts, it's essential to understand the warranty coverage and keep all necessary documentation. At Kevin's Autos, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality auto repair services and ensuring our customers have peace of mind. If you have questions about ball joint warranties or need assistance with your vehicle, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth replacing ball joints?
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.
Do ball joints fall under warranty?
Suspension and Steering: Components related to the suspension and steering systems, including control arms, ball joints, tie rods, and shock absorbers, are typically covered.
What are the signs of a failing ball joint?
In addition, the symptoms resulting from ball joint wear on different components can vary, and in some cases, they may mutually influence each other.
- Uneven or Bumpy Feeling.
- Shimmy / Wobble.
- Noise.
- Alignment Difficulties.
- Decreased Handling Performance, a Sense of Clearance, and Vagueness.
- Uneven Tire Wear.
- Visual Inspection.
How long should ball joints last?
70,000 to 150,000 miles
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.
Can I drive with a bad ball joint?
What are the risks of driving with a bad ball joint? A worn ball joint is not a problem that should be ignored. If the wear becomes severe, the stud may separate from the housing resulting in immediate loss of control of your vehicle.
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. Greaseable ball joints offer extended durability, ranging from $150 to $350.
Is replacing ball joints a big job?
Like any other suspension or steering part, they are vital to the car's stability as it drives down the road. Replacing ball joints can vary widely between vehicles, so overall is an intermediate job, requiring some specialty tools.
Can I drive my car with worn ball joints?
What are the risks of driving with a bad ball joint? A worn ball joint is not a problem that should be ignored. If the wear becomes severe, the stud may separate from the housing resulting in immediate loss of control of your vehicle.
Are ball joints covered under the Ford warranty?
ExtraCARE and PremiumCARE cover more advanced brake elements, like the anti-lock brake module and sensors. Most front suspension parts, like ball joints, control arms, and Macpherson struts are covered from BaseCARE to PremiumCARE.
Can you drive a car with a bad ball joint?
What are the risks of driving with a bad ball joint? A worn ball joint is not a problem that should be ignored. If the wear becomes severe, the stud may separate from the housing resulting in immediate loss of control of your vehicle.
