How many miles do ball joints last?

While ball joints may last 70,000 miles or more, they don't last forever. Their actual lifespan will depend on your driving habits, road conditions and exposure to road splash and salt.

How often do ball joints need replaced?

Generally speaking, you should expect to have to have your ball joints replaced between 70,000 to 150,000 miles of driving. Excessive play in the joint can cause additional wear, and if a ball joint fails, your car's suspension could collapse and you could lose control of the vehicle.

How do you know if ball joints need replacing?

Which ball joints wear out first?

The lower ball joint usually takes the biggest hits and wears out first. Not only does it need to handle the load of the vehicle, but it also absorbs the shocks of potholes and other bone-jarring road hazards.

How do you know if your ball joints going bad?

Noise – this can be a clunking or squeaking noise. Clunking noises are caused by the worn ball joints rattling as the suspension travels up and down over the road. The squeaking noise is caused by the rubber boot that protects the grease inside the ball joint is damaged, the ball joint will start to squeak.

How to Check if a Ball Joint is Bad

How much does it cost to get ball joints replaced?

You might be surprised to learn that replacing a ball joint is not overly expensive. You can expect to pay around $300 in most cases, including both parts and labor. Most ball joints cost about $100 to $150, while the labor costs will run you $150 to $200.

What does a worn ball joint sound like?

Squeaking Noises

In addition to the clunking of the balls moving in the joints, you might also start to notice a squeaking noise. Like the clunking, you'll likely hear this when you're going around curves in the road or over bumps.

Do you need alignment after ball joints?

Whether you're replacing your ball joints or any other part of your steering or suspension system, it's not mandatory but always a good idea to get an alignment afterwards.

How often should ball joints be greased?

The JBA K6292 ball joint should be greased every 3000 to 5000 miles. If you go in mud pits or across streams with the vehicle, grease the ball joint after you are done playing in the mud and water.

How do you maintain ball joints?

Remember to never use air or power tools as they can cause damage to components. Insert the ball joint pin into the steering knuckle. Secure it with a new bolt and locking nut, tightening to the correct torque. Refit the wheel and wheel nuts and tighten to the correct torque.

What causes ball joints to wear out?

Ball joints deteriorate if dirt, grit and impurities get inside or grease escapes, leading to a lack of lubrication. Added to this, rusting and general wear and tear also damage these suspension parts. The effects of this deterioration are excessive play and looseness (beyond the manufacturer's specifications).

What happens if a ball joint breaks while driving?

You should not drive with a bad ball joint. Continuing to drive can cause damage to other vehicle components and if the joint fails completely you could lose control of the vehicle, leading to a crash and injuries.

Are ball joints hard to replace?

From that standpoint, yes, it is hard to replace ball joints - more than basic DIYr skills and tools are required. There is also the safety dimension for being in close proximity to a suspended vehicle, and a compressed spring that has enough force to cause serious harm if it comes loose.

How long do ball joints last in a truck?

How long should ball joints last on a truck? Typically, ball joints are expected to last 70,000 to 150,000 miles worth driving.

Can you replace just the ball joint without replacing control arm?

In order to know if just the ball joint or the whole complete lower control arm needs replaced, the lower ball joint will need to be disconnected from the steering knuckle and checked to see if it fits tight in the lower control arm. If it is loose, then replace control arm.

Which is better sealed or Greasable ball joints?

Non greaseable joints are sealed better than greaseable joints. They are designed keep the grease in and the dirt and water out.

What happens if you don't grease your ball joints?

Grease is good for noise and maintenance but no amount of it will bring a failed ball joint back to life. If you find that you have a failed ball joint we offer Moog upper and lower ball joints for many makes and models.

Does changing your ball joints affect alignment?

A ball joints is made to fit tightly into its steel casing; excessive wear will allow for more room for the ball to move in the socket, which can affect wheel alignment, tire wear, and suspension noise.

What is the function of a ball joint in a car?

Ball joints allow the steering knuckles to move in different directions while ensuring they remain attached to the vehicle. This motion allows the wheels to move up and down and side to side as needed.

Can ball joints cause shaking?

vibration: a loose or worn ball joint can cause excessive vibration. this can make the car feel very unstable, and in some cases it will shake the vehicle. you may also feel a vibration in the steering wheel. wandering steering: a worn ball joint can cause your car to pull to the right or left.

Why is my truck squeaking when I go over bumps?

If a bushing has failed, or a rubber spring insulator has torn, you might be hearing metal to metal contact and that could account for the squeaking. Possible sources of squeaking noises are the strut, shock absorber, sway bar links and frame mount, control arms, strut mounts, ball joints and so forth.