Having a Ball with Ball Joints
A ball joint is an assembly that allows three rotations for a given component. From its fixed point, the joint can move freely on the X, Y and Z axis. An easy way to imagine the
ball joint is to picture the old ball and socket joints in your shoulder and hip joints.
Of course, in your automobile, the ball joints are crafted of steel and not bone, but the concept is the same. A spherical bearing connects to an arm that needs to move in many directions. In your vehicle, the ball joint connects to a Control Arm as part of the steering or suspension assembly. Automotive ball joints are made of a hardened steel ball that’s encased in a steel casing. Between the two surfaces there is an embedded protective casing that keeps dirt out and lubrication in
The Life of a Ball Joint
Ball Joints are under near constant stress. Even when navigating the smoothest roads, any variation in the road surface, along with adjustments made to the steering wheel, all put stress on the
ball joints. Because of this constant use, it’s easy to see that lubrication is very important.
Some modern ball joints are actually sealed and do not require periodic lubrication. However, most ball joints must be lubed occasionally as part of the routine maintenance. A good rule of thumb is to inspect them once a year. But whenever you have your oil changed, the technician usually lubes the ball joints as part of the oil change service.
Signs that the Ball is Going to Drop
A failing ball joint can not only be heard, but felt. It may start with a click or snap whenever you turn the steering wheel. That eventually leads to you feeling the pop that transmits up to the steering wheel. A failing suspension ball joint will be heard and felt when your suspension moves over a large bump and lets out the tell-tale thunk.
A failed ball joint can result in a dangerous situation as your wheel’s alignment will be instantly out of whack which could cause a loss of control. So, when you hear and feel that your ball joints are on the brink of failure, have a ball and get your ball joints, ball joints pin, ball joints snap ring, ball joint kit and ball joint boots right here at AutoAnything.
Common Ball Joint Parts
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Please feel free to call toll-free 800.874.8888 or e-mail sales@autoanything.com with any questions. We are delighted to be of assistance in finding the right auto parts for you, be they car parts, truck parts or SUV parts.
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