Auto Repair Encyclopedia
Lower Ball Joint Replacement
Sometimes referred to as Lower Ball Joint, Ball Joint, Ball Joint Lower
The ball joint allows the suspension to pivot when steering and to move up and down as road surfaces become rough or uneven.
Without the pivoting motion afforded by the ball joint, steering a vehicle would be impossible.
When a ball joint wears, it develops excess clearance. A worn ball joint may develop a creaking sound when the suspension moves up and down while driving on an uneven road surface.
To replace a worn ball joint, the wheel is removed, and the ball joint is separated from the steering knuckle or suspension. Then the hardware securing the ball joint to the steering knuckle or suspension is removed, and the ball joint is replaced.
About this Repair: Ball Joint Replacement - Lower
Recommendations
If possible, we recommend replacing ball joints as a set. If you use your car heavily, replacing the joints as a pair can be cheaper in the long-run.
The replacement of the ball joints will effect the alignments settings, so we recommend a four-wheel alignment when the ball joints are replaced.
Why this happens
A "clunk" or "pop" when going over bumps or turning can indicate a problem with a ball joint.
Excessive inner or outer tire wear can sometimes be attributed to problems with the ball joints.
