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Suspension ball joint: function, failure symptoms, and replacement cost
Car ball joints are a lot like the joints in human hips, allowing the suspension components to move up and down and pivot without disconnecting or generating excessive friction or wear. They are used to connect the steering knuckles to the front and rear car suspension arms (control arms).
They’re designed to absorb various road impacts and vibrations, while maintaining wheel alignment and handling stability. By ensuring the mobility of the suspension and car steering system, the socket joints allow you to stay in control of your vehicle.
-19%
FEBI BILSTEIN Ball Joint
Lower, Front Axle Left, Front Axle Right, with lock nuts, 15,6mm, for control arm
Article number: 21490
compared to
RRP
£ 13,99
£ 11,27
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-56%
LEMFÖRDER Ball Joint
Front Axle, Lower, both sides, outer, for control arm
Article number: 10519 03
compared to
RRP
£ 38,46
£ 16,90
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-42%
MEYLE Ball Joint
Lower, Front Axle Left, Front Axle Right, ORIGINAL Quality, 45mm, 86mm
Article number: 016 010 0234
compared to
RRP
£ 18,71
£ 10,76
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-58%
LEMFÖRDER Ball Joint
Front Axle, both sides, Upper
Article number: 30933 01
compared to
RRP
£ 74,59
£ 31,26
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-38%
MEYLE Ball Joint
Lower, Front Axle Left, Front Axle Right, with accessories, ORIGINAL Quality, 20,3mm, 40mm
Article number: 116 010 7193
compared to
RRP
£ 19,43
£ 12,00
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
What are the different types of ball joints?
You can find two main types of front and rear suspension ball joints depending on the suspension type and the vehicle model:
- Loaded ball joints. These load-bearing components are designed to support the weight of the vehicle. The parts often wear faster than others due to the additional stress on the joint’s socket. In an SLA suspension, the lower ball joint (connected to the lower arm) is usually loaded and the upper ball joint (on the upper arm) is a non-load bearing joint (follower), or vice versa.
- Follower ball joints. These are used to connect the control arm to the steering knuckle and strut, facilitating the rotation of the knuckle and maintaining alignment. In a standard MacPherson suspension, the lower joints are non-load bearing and upper ball joints are not required.
Joint lubrication:
- Greasable suspension joints. All ball joints require lubrication. In the housing of greasable components, there is a hole or opening that allows you to add new grease. These are usually found on older or heavy duty vehicles.
- Sealed joints. Sealed parts are pre-lubricated and do not require regular greasing. This is more convenient, also preventing contaminants from getting inside the parts. However, once the grease has gone bad, you have to install a new joint.
Symptoms of a bad ball joint
The average car ball joint is expected to last between 70,000 and 150,000 miles. Nevertheless, they sometimes need to be replaced earlier due to damage caused by rough road conditions, excessive play, harsh environments, and everyday wear. Keep a lookout for these common ball joint symptoms:
- Intermittent clunking or rattling noises. Worn ball joints may become loose in their sockets and start to rattle as the suspension moves up and down. These noises may get louder when going over bumps or driving on uneven roads.
- Drifting to the left or right. A worn or loose ball joint can negatively affect the vehicle’s steering. In these cases, the steering wheel may wander to the left or right without the driver’s input. You may notice that steering is stiffer or less responsive than usual. Bad wheel alignment is another potential culprit.
- Uneven tyre wear. Among other things, faulty ball joints can cause either the inner or outer edges of a tyre to wear faster than the rest of the tread.
-46%
FEBI BILSTEIN Ball Joint
Lower Front Axle, Lower, with lock nuts, BMTS Turbo NEW, 17,1mm, for control arm
Article number: 23417
compared to
RRP
£ 28,99
£ 15,42
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-15%
FEBI BILSTEIN Ball Joint
Front Axle Left, Front Axle Right, with fastening material, BMTS Turbo NEW, 18mm, for control arm
Article number: 24849
compared to
RRP
£ 18,99
£ 16,09
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-22%
Article number: 42402
compared to
RRP
£ 25,99
£ 20,26
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-61%
LEMFÖRDER Ball Joint
Front Axle, Lower, Left, 18mm
Article number: 17619 02
compared to
RRP
£ 50,60
£ 19,44
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-37%
MEYLE Ball Joint
inner, Front Axle Left, Front Axle Right, ORIGINAL Quality, 41mm, 136mm
Article number: 316 010 4345
compared to
RRP
£ 22,31
£ 13,94
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
If your suspension is ready for a replacement, you can find compatible parts online by entering relevant keywords, e.g. “Ford Fiesta ball joint”, or, for more accurate results, entering your vehicle registration number.
How much does a ball joint replacement cost?
You can expect to pay between roughly £75 and £180 to get the ball joints replaced professionally. Prices will vary depending on the joint type and the specific vehicle make and model. A suspension ball joint can cost as little as £8 when you shop online.
A useful video on this topic:
How to check the ball joint for wear
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