Ball joints are an important part of your carâs suspension assembly. Therefore, if it has gone bad, you will notice some troubling symptoms and more importantly, it can be dangerous for you to drive with a bad ball joint. One of the most common symptoms would be a knocking noise as you drive along, if you notice this, then you may have a bad ball joint. Weâll be explaining more about how it works, the symptoms, as well as ball joint replacement cost.
- What is a Ball Joint?
- Symptoms of a bad ball joint
- How to check a ball joint
- Ball joint replacement cost
- How to replace ball joints yourself
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Ball Joint
The ball joint is part of your carâs lower control arm which connects the control arm to the steering knuckle. A control arm is an important component that connects your carâs frame or body to the wheels, while the steering knuckle is the part that contains the wheel hub.
All of these components are connected by a ball joint, which consists of a bearing stud and a socket in an enclosed casing. The ball joint allows your wheel hub to pivot and it also helps to accommodate your carâs up and down motion. Additionally, ball joints also help to keep your car stable since they help to constrain your wheelâs angle.
When a ball joint wears down, it may become loose, affecting wheel alignment and stability. In a worst-case scenario, they may fail entirely and cause a loss of control while driving. If youâd like to learn more about ball joints, we found this great video that you can watch:
The placement and assembly of ball joints vary from one car to another. For example, if your car has whatâs called a âshort-long arm suspensionâ, then it would have four ball joints. In this assembly, there would be two ball joints on each wheel: one as the upper ball joint and another one as the lower ball joint. Meanwhile, if you have a MacPherson strut suspension, you will have two ball joints. One on each side of the front wheels, which acts as a lower joint.
As a result, a ball joint replacement cost will vary depending on your carâs make and model. There are different assemblies used, not to mention manufacturers charge different prices. Before we discuss more the costs, here are some of the symptoms you should look out for:
Bad Ball Joint Symptoms
Ball Joint Replacement Symptoms #1: Noises From Your Suspension Assembly
This is the most common and obvious sign of a bad ball joint. If you have a bad ball joint, there are two possible noises that you might hear: a knocking noise and a snapping noise. A knocking noise caused by ball joints usually appears when your car is going over a speed bump or a rough patch of road.
Meanwhile, a snapping noise usually appears while youâre trying to make a sharp turn. This is usually caused by the ball being pulled from the socket and then released. If you suspect you have a bad ball joint, try making a sharp turn such as when youâre pulling out of a parking space, and listen for a snapping noise.
Keep in mind that noises from your suspension can be caused by other things as well, such as bad CV joints. However, your suspension assembly isnât supposed to make any noise. So, if you do hear noises, it would be best to get your car checked.
Ball Joint Replacement Symptoms #2: Unstable Car Or Side-To-Side Shifts
On top of the knocking noise, you may experience your car shifting side-to-side. Ball joints help to constrain your carâs motion, so when they become loose, they will lose the ability to do so. This can be dangerous as this affects the stability of your car as you drive along. In tricky conditions, you might completely lose control of your car since the car might wander from side to side.
Needless to say, this puts you and other drivers at significant risk, and a ball joint replacement should not be postponed. If you notice this as you drive along, we recommend immediately taking your car to a repair shop for a diagnostic.
Ball Joint Replacement Symptoms #3: Wheel Misalignment And Irregular Tire Wear
A bad ball joint may cause your wheels to be misaligned. If your wheels are misaligned, you will often notice your car pulling to one side as you try to drive in a straight line. Misaligned wheels will also often lead to irregular tire wear. So, be sure to check your tire wear the next time you do a tire rotation (to learn more, check out our guide on tire rotation and balance cost near me).
Itâs important to note that irregular tire wear might be caused by other things such as bad wheel bearings (which you can diagnose by learning how to tell if wheel bearing is bad) and over or underinflation of the tires. However, if you notice irregular tire wear, and you see the other symptoms, then you might have a bad ball joint. In which case, itâs time to get your car to the repair shop for a diagnostic.
How To Check Ball Joints
If youâre experiencing the symptoms above but are still unsure and you want to visually check your ball joints, you can do this by following these steps:
- Slightly loosen the lug nut until they are hand-tight, but do not remove them completely.
- Park on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. You can also place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels just to be safe.
- Jack up the front of the car and secure it on jack stands.
- Grab the top and bottom of the tire and rock it in and out along the wheelâs axis. There should be little to no play at all if you have a good ball joint.
- If you hear noises and thereâs play, then thereâs a problem with your ball joint. If itâs coming from the top that means thereâs a problem with the upper ball joint. Meanwhile, noise and play from the bottom suggest thereâs a problem with the lower ball joint.
- Remove the wheel if you want to do a visual inspection. If you see signs of rust, damage to the dust boot (the rubber that encases the ball joint), or grease leakage, then you may need to replace the ball joint.
- Pry the ball joint apart with a pry bar to inspect for play or clicking sounds. A good ball joint shouldnât be loose.
- Once done, put your wheels back on and repeat steps 4 â 7 on the other wheels.
To help with your inspection process, you can watch the video below to learn more:
Ball Joint Replacement Cost
A ball joint parts cost for most cars is usually around $80 â $150 each, but it can cost as high as $350 each in some luxury or performance cars. Meanwhile, labor cost is usually around $250 â $300. However, sometimes they can be as cheap as $150 depending on the repair shopâs labor rates. Most of the time, a ball joint replacement cost is between $400 â $800.
To give you a better idea, we did a little research on ball joint parts cost on some common car models. For example, a ball joint for a 2005 Toyota Camry will set you back $85 each. Thatâs $170 if you want to replace both front ball joints. Add labor costs into the equation and you could be looking at a total cost of $450.
Meanwhile, if you own a larger or luxury car such as the 2010 ML-Class Mercedes, then thatâs going to be $134 for each ball joint. If youâre looking to replace both front ball joints, the total would be around $578Â including labor costs. Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates, and they can easily be more expensive (or cheaper) depending on how much the repair shop charge for labor.
Also, itâs important to note in severe cases you might experience damage to the control arm. You will need to replace this as well as itâs a crucial component for your suspension assembly, which can cost up to $450 each to replace. This is why we recommend that you replace your ball joints as soon as it goes bad before it damages other suspension components.
How Much To Replace Ball Joints
If you think the ball joint replacement cost is a bit high, then there are two ways you can save some money:
Ball Joint Replacement Cost Tip #1: Buying Aftermarket Parts
Aftermarket parts are made by third-party manufacturers and not your carâs original manufacturer. Sometimes, these aftermarket parts can be cheaper. This is not necessarily because they have lower quality, itâs just that sometimes the original manufacturer will charge a premium for their parts. Aftermarket parts can be as cheap as $20 each for certain car models, bringing your partâs cost down significantly.
However, itâs not uncommon that aftermarket parts can be of lower quality. Itâs all about managing expectations when youâre buying a cheaper aftermarket part. We would advise that you check the user reviews first when buying aftermarket parts, making sure that they are at least of decent quality. Itâs also advisable that you buy aftermarket parts that come with a warranty, so you can get a replacement for little-to-no cost at all should they fail prematurely.
Ball Joint Replacement Cost Tip #2: Replacing Ball Joints Yourself
You can also reduce your ball joint replacement cost by doing the replacement job yourself. A ball joint replacement cost is quite expensive because of the labor cost. This is because the process requires your mechanic to disassemble most of the suspension assembly and it can be time-consuming, hence the high cost.
By doing the replacement yourself, you take the labor cost out of the equation. Saving you nearly $250 on average. However, if youâre not comfortable with the idea of disassembling your suspension unit yourself, then we donât recommend doing it. Best to leave it to the professionals and suck up the labor cost.
How To Replace Ball Joints
Keep in mind that replacing a ball joint is a moderate to difficult job to do. It can be quite complicated as you need to take apart a lot of your suspension assembly to gain access to the ball joint. Some of the tools you will need are an axle nut socket, a torque wrench, a grease gun, and a ball joint splitter. If you donât have the tools, some major auto parts stores will rent you some of these tools such as the presser.
Note that the process to remove an upper and lower ball joint is different, hereâs a guide on how to remove the lower ball joint:
Ball Joint Replacement Phase #1: Removing The Old Lower Ball Joint
- Ensure youâre working on a flat surface and slightly loosen your carâs wheel nuts.
- Jack up your car and put it on jack stands, ensuring that the car is stable.
- Remove your wheels and remove the axle nut afterward. You will need to consult with the manual to find out your carâs axle nut size.
- Spray the nut and bolts you will need to remove using a penetrating fluid. This includes the lower and upper caliper bracket bolts, the control arm nuts and bolts, and the ball joint itself.
- Loosen and remove the caliper bolts to remove your brake calipers.
- Remove the cotter pin on the lower control arm nut, and then remove the nut itself. Then remove the upper control arm nut, and disconnect it from the upper ball joint.
- After removing the control arm from the steering knuckle, make sure that the knuckle isnât pulling on anything such as the ABS wire. Do not disconnect them, but make sure there isnât any tension on the wires.
- Remove the steering knuckle from the lower ball joint. This will give you access to your CV joint as well as the lower ball joint.
- Spray the ball joint area with a brake cleaner and remove the snap ring.
- Finally, use a ball joint press or splitter to remove the lower ball joint.
Now that youâve removed the lower ball joint, follow these steps to install the new lower ball joint:
Ball Joint Replacement Phase #2: Installing The New Lower Ball Joint
- Spray brake cleaner to clean the ball joint area.
- Insert the new ball joint from below, then use the ball joint presser to put it in place. You will need a wrench to use the presser. Press the ball joint until you canât turn the wrench anymore.
- Once pressed and installed, put in the snap ring using nose pliers.
- Install the ball jointâs grease fitting on the top, but this is usually only for serviceable ball joints. Sealed ball joints wonât come with a grease fitting.
- Insert the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle to reconnect it to the control arm. Afterward, put on the lower control arm screw back on, and hand-tighten it.
- Use a jack stand to lift the entire knuckle assembly. Once lifted, slide the control arm into the steering knuckle. You can use a hammer or ideally a rubber mallet to hammer it in.
- Put in the upper and lower control arm. Ideally, you should use a torque wrench. Consult with your manual to see the recommended torque.
- Reinsert the cotter pin into the lower control arm nut to secure it.
- Reinstall your brake caliper. Then reinsert the upper bolt first and align it with the lower bolt. Afterward, tighten both bolts with a torque wrench. Again, check your manual to see the correct torque amount.
- Grease the lower ball joint with a grease gun.
- Reinstall the axle nut, and then put the wheels back on.
We understand that this is quite a long and complicated process, so a visual guide would really help. This video from ChrisFix is an excellent guide on how to replace your lower ball joint:
Ball Joint Replacement Phase #3: Replacing The Upper Ball Joint
The process to replace an upper ball joint is largely similar to replacing the lower ball joint. You will need to jack up your car and remove the wheel and then remove the axle nut. Afterward, you may need to loosen the brake and ABS line so there wonât be any tension in the line as you reposition the steering knuckle. If your brake or ABS line snaps, it will be another costly repair job.
Afterward, unlike the lower ball joint process, you wonât need to remove the brake caliper and steering knuckle entirely. Once the knuckle is loose, tilt the upper knuckle outwards until it stands out from your wheel arch. Then, you can remove the ball joint and begin the process of installing a new one.
The process is also quite similar: remove the snap ring, use the presser to remove the old ball joint, and then install the new one, and then grease the new ball joint and reinsert the snap ring before you reconnect it to the upper control arm. Hereâs another video guide to help you understand better how to replace an upper ball joint:
Keep in mind that this guide is for cars where the upper ball joint is built into the steering knuckle. Your car may have a different assembly, so we recommend that you research how to do a ball joint replacement on your specific car model.
Ball Joint Replacement Cost: In ConclusionâŠ
The ball jointâs role is to connect your steering knuckle to the control arm, which then connects to your carâs chassis or body. Itâs doing this while allowing your steering knuckle to pivot, as well as accommodating your carâs motion as it moves. It virtually holds your carâs entire suspension system together. Because of this, the ball joint plays an absolutely crucial role in your carâs operation and cannot be neglected.
Most cars will run for 150,000 miles without any ball joint damage, but they may fail prematurely if they undergo excessive stress while driving. A damaged boot may also cause premature wear as it allows dirt and moisture to seep into the ball joint, which isnât ideal. If your carâs ball joints do fail, we urge you to replace them immediately. Bad ball joints can make your car unstable and you will be prone to an accident.
Be sure to shop around to get the best quote for a ball joint replacement job. If the cost is still too high for you, then buying aftermarket parts or doing the job yourself is a good way to save some money. Just be sure to follow the precautions and guide that weâve mentioned above.
FAQs On Ball Joint Replacement Cost
If youâre still curious to learn more about a ball joint replacement cost, our FAQs here might helpâŠ
What Is A Ball Joint
A ball joint is a crucial part of your carâs suspension assembly. Specifically, itâs a part of your carâs lower control arm, which then connects that control arm to the steering knuckle. Inside the ball joint, youâll find a bearing stud and a socket within an enclosed unit. Altogether, this allows the ball joints to ensure that a carâs wheel hub can pivot, as well as taking into account a vehicleâs upwards and downwards motion. Moreover, ball joints make sure that your car remains poised on the road, as itâll also help to limit your steering angle. Depending on how the suspension set up on your car looks like, the number of ball joints you have will vary. In some cars, for example, there are two ball joints for each of the front wheels, while others will have just one for each.
How Long Does It Take To Replace Ball Joints
In most cases, replacing a ball joint is a complex task to perform DIY-style at home. Itâll require you to disassemble much of your suspension and youâll need a lot of tools to get it done. Therefore, this is a task thatâs best left for professional mechanics, but itâs certainly doable at home if you have the tools, knowledge, skills, and experience. Replacing a ball joint does take a while, though. On average, replacing the ball joints can take anywhere between 1 hour to 3 hours. This timeframe also includes the time taken to disassemble the suspension. Thus, replacing a single ball joint could take as little as 30 minutes. Depending on how many ball joints youâll need to replace or how hard it might be to reach the ball joints on your car or truck, it could easily prolong to 4 hours or more.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Ball Joints
A ball joint replacement cost is unfortunately rather expensive. On average, you should expect somewhere between $400 to $800 to replace a set of worn-out ball joints on your car. Although, the parts themselves are actually fairly cheap. You can find a set of replacement ball joints for as little as $80. Or, as low as $20 if youâre willing to use third-party, aftermarket parts. However, the majority of the expense for a ball joint replacement cost comes down to labor. A lot of work needs to be put into replacing your carâs ball joints, which includes needing to disassemble much of the suspension. Taking into account several hoursâ worth of work, a typical mechanic would charge you between $250 to $300 in labor charges alone. In other words, you can save a lot of money on labor if youâre keen to replace your ball joints yourself.
What Causes Ball Joints To Go Bad
Ball joints normally fail due to typical wear and tear. Remember that ball joints sit on the underside of your car, by the suspension assembly, and are thus exposed to the elements. This means being exposed to dirt, grime, mud, oils, road salt, water, moisture, and so on. With time, these impurities can slowly make their way inside of the ball joints, and impact the ball jointsâ lubrication. Once the ball joint grease is contaminated, itâs only a matter of time before it requires a replacement. Other than that, ball joints also fail due to corrosion. Alternatively, your ball joints could also get damaged, causing their grease to leak out.
How To Tell If Ball Joints Are Bad While Driving
While youâre driving, itâs easy to tell if you have a bad ball joint on your suspension. First off, thereâs the noise that a bad ball joint typically emits. It usually sounds like a knocking or snapping noise, which can be heard when youâre driving over bumps or while youâre making a sharp turn. In addition to the sounds, you might also notice how your carâs handling has been impacted. Bad ball joints may cause your car to veer and shift from side to side. This is dangerous, as it may even result in you losing control of your car entirely. For that reason alone, bad ball joints should be diagnosed and replaced promptly, before it causes further deterioration to the rest of the suspension. Or, make you lose control of your car.
How Long Do Ball Joints Last
Unlike some other components, ball joints have no exact lifespan. They can last for up to 150,000 miles, but itâs not uncommon to see them fail at around 70,000 miles. Driving through rough roads or going off-road may shorten its lifespan since your ball joint will have to work harder. You can prolong your ball jointâs lifespan by taking smoother roads whenever possible. If you have no choice but to take the rough road, then be sure to drive carefully. Excessive speeds on rough roads will put more load on your ball joints.
How To Tell If A Ball Joint Is Bad
If it has gone bad, youâll have to replace it urgently. If your ball joints have gone back, youâll notice symptoms like odd noises from the suspension. Or, if your car is shifting from side to side. Alternatively, your tires would wear out faster and youâll need an alignment more regularly. We urge you to not postpone a ball joint replacement as it can be dangerous. As mentioned before, a bad ball joint can affect your carâs stability. This could lead to loss of control during tricky conditions, endangering you and other drivers around you. In severe cases, it may even fail completely and your wheel could fall off while youâre driving. Weâre pretty sure that you want all four wheels to stay intact as you drive along.
How Often Should Ball Joints Be Replaced
In most cars, the ball joints will not require you to regularly maintain them. They could last upwards of 150,000 miles on their own. As mentioned before, you can help ease their strain by driving more carefully and driving on rough roads less often. However, some cars will have whatâs called a âserviceable ball jointâ, which will have a grease fitting. If your car has this, then use a grease gun to grease the ball joints. You will normally need to do this every time you do an oil change. Other than that, the only other thing you will need to do is a visual inspection. You can do this every time your car needs a major service and see if there are any signs of wear and tear on the ball joints. If there are, you can replace them early to avoid further damage to other components.
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