Ball Joints
Repco Degreaser 400g
Actively lifts filth, dirt, grease, and oil so using it is as simple as spraying on and hosing off or wiping down with a rag.
Ball Joints
The ball joint is a spherical shaped piece of metal with a steel shaft protruding from it with a threaded end. The ball part sits in a socket which gives it a free range of movement in certain directions, much like your shoulder socket allows arm movement. They are extremely popular in the front suspension of almost all vehicles as they allow wheels to track and turn no matter what the suspension is doing.
They all require grease as lubrication and older vehicles had the ability to service them using grease nipples. New units are sealed and simply replaced when worn out. They have a rubber boot protecting the ball and socket from dust and dirt. These are the weak link and need to be checked for cracking due to age, damage or wear and tear.
Popular Questions Asked
How do I know if my Ball Joints are worn out?
There are a number of things to look out for:
- Rattle, clunking noise or vibration from the front suspension when driving. You may even feel it through the steering wheel.
- Steering needs constant correcting while driving in a straight line.
- Uneven wear on the tyre that has the ball joint issue.
What happens if a Ball Joint breaks while driving?
The suspension will break apart and the front wheels will work independantly of one another. You will lose control of the vehicle. The saving grace is ball joints are very strong and you will get warning signs that progressively get worse for a very long time.
How long does it take to change a Ball Joint?
Approximately 1 hour. While the job is not hard, replacing ball joints may be best left to the experts. The reason is you need tools to spread the suspension apart and sometimes press out the ball joint. These are specialist tools and may not be worth the investment to do the job as a one off.