Ball Joint Replacement: Common Truck Wear and Tear

Definition of a Ball Joint

Ball joints are made of a spherical bearing that spins inside a tiny socket. They link the control arms to the steering knuckles. When they begin to deteriorate, they may permit movement in ways detrimental to safe steering and control.

Ball joints are available in two configurations: serviceable and non-serviceable. Regular lubrication is required for serviceable ball joints, while non-serviceable ball joints become a concern if the seal fails since the joint will dry up and rust. From there, failure is simply a question of time.

Additionally, bigger and heavier wheels and tires, higher wheel backspacing, and, on IFS setups, suspension overextension may induce ball joint failure.

Signs and Symptoms of a Worn-Out Ball Joint in Your Vehicle

1. Unusual Clunking or Rattling Noises
If you hear unusual clunking, rattling, or clicking sounds emanating from underneath the vehicle, you can guarantee that a component in the suspension is loose. Ball joints are a frequent source of pain. If the rattling becomes more noticeable as the vehicle travels over bumps and dips on the road, it is probably caused by a suspension issue. The sound may get louder over time as the ball joint degrades and becomes progressively looser as you drive.

2. Excessive Vibrations Emanating from the Vehicle's Front-End
Another sign of faulty ball joints is severe suspension vibration. Ball joints wear out, will be loose in their sockets, and shake excessively when the car is moving. Typically, the vibration originates from the afflicted ball joint, which is located on either the right or left side of the car. The vibration may also be felt via the steering wheel in rare instances.

3. Uneven Tires
Uneven tire wear may indicate that your ball joints are nearing the end of their useful life. To be more specific, if the inner or outer margins of your front tires are wearing down quicker than the remainder of the tread, the problem is likely worn ball joints. On the other hand, if both edges are wearing down quicker than the center, the issue is not with the ball joints but with under-inflated tires.

Ball Joint Replacement

Although ball joints are not always straightforward to change, a do-it-yourselfer who is familiar with replacing suspension and braking components should be able to do the work. Ball joints may be:

• Integrated into the control arm (requiring total control arm replacement)
• Pressed into the control arm
• Bolted
• Riveted to the control arm, depending on the vehicle's configuration

If the above-stated problems are detected, the truck repair must be done! Truck repair is imperative if you have to maintain a good drive experience.

The Following Are a Few Steps on How Ball Joint Replacement Is Done:

• You are taking the wheels off your automobile.
• Brake calipers and rotor relocation. Certain automobiles will need the sway bar connections removed.
• Front-wheel drive automobiles – a ball joint fork separates the lower control arm from the steering knuckle in most instances.
• Trucks and other vehicles – using a ball joint fork, detach the steering knuckle from the ball joints and put it aside. Typically, this method involves a great deal of power and a LARGE hammer!
• Inspect the ball joint carefully and remove any snap rings that may be keeping it in place.
• The old joint should be pressed out of the control arm using a ball joint press.
• Insert the replacement joint into the control arm using the ball joint push.
  Tip: Freeze your new ball joints overnight before installation. By freezing the joints, the installation will be facilitated.