15 hours of pro-quality, HD content with subtitles. Examine every link and joint, including the damper mountings, for worn, distorted and oil-contaminated bushes. Check the wishbone joints where they pivot at the inner ends, and also the moving joints and pivots at the outer ends of the wishbone and track-control arms where they are fixed to the steering swivel members, or suspension legs in the case of MacPherson That fitting, or boss, will stick out of the bottom of the joint’s housing by about half an inch (1.25 centimeters). NOTE: To check ball joint wear on vehicles when the spring is supported on the upper control arm or when the spring is a part of a MacPherson strut or wear in any other type suspension not using ball joints when the front wheels are suspended on a solid axle, the … How to check ball joints. ball joints dampers A lower control arm (orange) is triangulated by the anti-roll bar (black). Look for perishing and cracking, and replace the bush if it is not perfect. The ball joint for the lower control arm is pressed into the knuckle and the ball joint for the tension strut is part of the tension strut. I was driving the car and I can go up to 40 miles an hour and then it starts to shake is out but. Alternatively, you could have a helper look closely at the joint itself to see if it appears loose as you move it. ", "Awesome article, great information for ball joints. A damaged gaiter allows the oil or grease to escape and dirt to enter the joint; this causes excessive wear, and replacing the joints is expensive. Finally, test the anti-roll bar mountings for tightness. Do not be afraid to lever hard against the mountings - road shocks can be severe, and the bushes need to be perfect. Do you have the service/workshop manual? If the fitting is protruding, the ball joints should be fine. Make sure there is no compression in the suspension when you check the ball joint. Signs that your car might need new struts include bottoming out on bumps, cupped tire wear, swaying and obsessive bouncing. imposed on the anti-roll bar subject it to constant twisting and flexing, which in turn put its various rubber mounting bushes under great load. Open the bonnet and check the top mountings on MacPherson-strut assemblies. (See Attach a dial … One of the simplest ways for the do-it-yourself Subaru enthusiast to inspect the ball joints on a Subaru STI that is for sale is to lift the front wheels off the ground and set it on jack stands. Auto manufacturers build different suspension set-ups, so read the manual to determine which type of ball joint your vehicle uses. Also loosen the bolts holding the strut to the steering knuckle and any other steering link. How much will it cost to replace a ball joint on a 2005 Ford Escape V6 3.0? If a ball joint starts to loosen, you’ll hear clunking sounds from the front as the joint rattles in the socket. Signs of Wear. I personally replace everything in twos, but if your vehicle was inspected by a licensed mechanic and he didn't try to upsell you on two Ball joints, then more than likely the other side is fine. Let the MacPherson struts extend as far out as you can before you try to check the wheels for play. . Many cars have "Terminology, photos, and concepts were easy to understand, even if choosing to leave the testing to a professional. I don't really have adverts here: it's funded by wonderful people buying the Car Mechanics Video Course. Also, check the manufacturer's recommended service interval in the owner's manual. A ball joint splitter may also be needed to pry the control arm and tie rod end away from the bottom of the hub. Or you can YouTube it/look online for the owner's manual. Jack up the rear of the car and support it on stands with the front wheels chocked. Eliminating rust before painting Most new cars do not have wear indicators, or a grease fitting. Check the condition of the rubber bush and the state of the bolt. However, without the protection of a good boot, the ball joint will tend to wear faster, because it won't be properly lubed, and grit and rust will deteriorate the joint quickly. ). Naturally, inspect coil springs for breaks, cracks or coil bind. Can I do this myself? Struts are usually gas charged, and they absorb the wear and tear of over-the-road travel. Wipe each gaiter clean and inspect it. In automobiles, a double wishbone suspension is an independent suspension design using two (occasionally parallel) wishbone-shaped arms to locate the wheel.Each wishbone or arm has two mounting points to the chassis and one joint at the knuckle. If any of these components fail, when you hit a bump, not all of your steering components do their job, causing a lot of free play depending on the situation. plates drive shaft chassis leaf spring The If they are worn, have them replaced. For example, stock front camber is -1 each side. Use a lamp in dark, underwing areas. Then check the suspension in its normal loaded position by jacking up each suspension arm in turn. If there are any worn or damaged components, have them replaced by a garage. Alternatively, have someone look at the ball joint while you attempt to move it. Because the ball join… Even if there is no flexing, check also the condition of … First check the vehicle's mileage. Thanks for reminding me. If you see any movement inwards and outwards, examine the joints and bushes closely — they should not move. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. How a Car Works is created, written by, and maintained by Alex Muir. The wishbones support the steering swivel member at their outer ends, and the lower wishbone provides a mounting point for the How much does it cost to replace ball joints? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 600,761 times. ). The tension strut ball joint can only be replaced with the tension strut. Check its bushes along with all the others. If it is badly corroded, it must be replaced at a garage, which may be able to weld in reinforcing A MacPherson strut uses a wishbone, or a substantial compression link stabilized by a secondary link, which provides a bottom mounting point for the hub carrier or axle of the wheel. ground ) or have them replaced at a garage as soon as possible. To check the joint, the upper control arm is supported to unload the joint. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. If the ball joint has a built-in wear indicator, joint play should be checked … Probe them with a screwdriver and tap them lightly with a hammer to see if they are sound. The bush should barely move. pan When the damper inside a MacPherson strut wears out, ... on several cars there is no need to disconnect any of the steering ball joints or the anti-roll bar (if fitted). ", "What to look for on the suspension to fix and prevent my car from wearing down my tires and keep me safe. If you have only two axle stands, raise one end of the car at a time. If any flexing is seen, the bush should be replaced. I have a 1998 Ford Mondeo, the car drives fine and smooth until I go over a bump. Move the dial gauge to the side of the nut and grab the tire at the bottom and move it in and out to check radial play of the joint. They quoted $321. No, the boot will hold grease and keep out dirt and water, but doesn't affect the ball joint. Most likely have a shield rattling on the exhaust. Oil contamination also causes them to deteriorate, and if they are allowed to deteriorate too much, they become loose and the steering and roadholding suffers. We've created the most detailed 3D model ever produced so we can show you everything working. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. This article was co-authored by Mike Parra. Clamp the flexible brake hose to close it. They are round (hence the name "ball") bearings in a socket which function just like the ball and socket of a human hip. It is widely used in the front suspension of modern vehicles and is named for American automotive engineer Earle S. MacPherson, who invented and developed the design. He is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified, has an AA degree in Automotive Repair Technology, and has over 20 years of mechanic experience. The spindle (red) is rigidly connected to the lower portion of the strut (dark blue). http://www.knowyourparts.com/product-category/ball-joint-control-arm-and-tie-rod-inspection-tips/, https://www.autoserviceprofessional.com/article/97841/suspension-inspection-tips-on-checking-a-variety-of-suspension-components, https://www.knowyourparts.com/technical-resources/ride-control/ball-joint-control-arm-and-tie-rod-inspection-tips/, https://www.knowyourparts.com/technical-resources/suspension/measure-ball-joint-wear/, https://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/tires/car-repair-car-jack-safety/, https://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/blog/how-to-check-ball-joints/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. It is essential to make a regular check on the condition of all joints in the Clearly and easily explained. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. If they are not, the complete arm assembly must be replaced. Over a period of years the rubber hardens and tends to crack. For tips from our mechanic reviewer on how to check the ball joints in a vehicle with McPherson strut suspension, keep reading! Lift the car at the control arm close to the lower ball joint, about two inches off the ground. Wear indicators include a movable grease fitting. Remove the wheel if necessary, and examine all the rubber bushes as they are distorted by the weight of the suspension. strut The lower ball joint is the load-carrying joint in this type of suspension, while the upper ball joint is the “follower,” with no significant load to support. When the The ball joint should allow free twisting movement, but should not allow lateral movement. Ball joints play a very important part when it comes to the suspension components of almost all modern vehicles. When a vehicle has just 20,000 km or more, there could be some internal wear and new shocks and struts may be needed. If you find splits, have the gaiter replaced at a garage. Place a jack under the ball joint and load the joint by raising the jack. Now tighten the lower bolts of the MacPherson struts to the recommended torque. force When replacing ball joints, it … Pre-assembled ball joints and bushings reduce install time (application-specific) ... take a moment to check the vehicle's ride height per the manufacturer's specifications, and test how well the shocks are working or if they are leaking. 7. The wears out, you can buy a replacement cartridge which — depending on type — may or may not include new parts for the strut itself. While the control arm allows for up and down motion, the steering knuckle turns the wheels when you turn the steering wheel. If you can’t find a wear indicator, or if the indicator doesn’t give you a clear enough sign, raise up the car to inspect the joint more thoroughly. by levering with a bar. coil spring tyres Get a helper to force the suspension upwards, using a long lever placed under the wheel, and look for play or distortion in all the joints and bushes. Grab the wheel at the top and bottom (12 and 6 o’clock) to lift up and pull down. and the anti-roll and stabiliser bars. On cars with MacPherson strut suspension systems, the steering knuckle connects the strut assembly to the lower ball joint. I've learned from friends or I've learned by books from auto stores (the library might have these). 6. Replacing track-rod-end ball joints Usually, removing the rear suspension locating arms is straight-forward - unscrew the pivot bolts and lift out the arm. stands under If your car doesn’t have a wear indicator, raise the front end of the car up, then use a dial indicator and rock the wheels to check for play. Replace any that are cracked or are badly distorted. What should I do? Hello, for a vehicle with OEM macpherson strut front suspension, can the camber change over time? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Turn the steering wheel and observe the ball joint to check lateral runout. You'll be able to feel a popping or you'll see it move. Jack the wheel off the If the grease sacks are split open, does that mean the ball joints are bad? Head-on view of a MacPherson strut front suspension. If there is more play then the manufacturer recommends, then the joints are worn out. Check the swivel pins on the steering swivel members with care: they take a lot of road shocks and are exposed to water and dirt. Inspect tie rods, ball joints, shocks and springs, and odds and ends, like maybe your steering shaft and Pitman arm. Renew any worn parts. On some cars a reinforcing plate can be welded to the upper mount of the MacPherson strut, if rust has not weakened the rest of the structure. Check the top pin bolts and rubber bushes: also the whole mounting plate and surrounding area for rust. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. have rubber or plastic bushes, with the possible exception of If it tightens up, the steering will bind so you can have a stiff spot as you turn the steering wheel. Very well done, thank you.". It's much cheaper. Fits multiple Polaris Models. and need to be replaced. This article has been viewed 600,761 times. It feels like I hit a crater in the road and the steering goes all over the place. ", "All of the steps helped. members. Decompress the suspension spring and remove the compression tool. Check our general torque tightening schedule if you do not have access to the manufacturer's recommendations. He is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified, has an AA degree in Automotive Repair Technology, and has over 20 years of mechanic experience. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. . To Check Ball Joints - jack up the front end by lower control arm and then take a prybar and put it under the tire and lift up on the tire if it feels loose replace ball joints on that side. One ball joint takes about one hour of labor to replace. Fully inspect every piece of the steering and suspension, especially in the front end. I have frequently seen people say that in order to check ball joints they must be unloaded by jacking under the control arm as close as possible to the ball joint. The bush should barely move. A ball joint is a socket/pivot joint. Polaris Replacement Ball Joint (MacPherson Strut) Super ATV has engineered a Replacement Ball Joint for your Polaris Machine. Naturally getting underneath a vehicle supported only by a jack is not wise. Almost all joints and pivots in a modern If not, check Autozone's free repair guides. The MacPherson strut is a type of automotive suspension system that uses the top of a telescopic damper as the upper steering pivot. If you hear any abnormal bumping, rattling or scraping coming from the front end, it could indicate your suspension is having problems, which could mean your ball joints are worn out [source: 2CarPros ]. Is it okay to just replace one read ball joint if the dealer recommended I do so? With MacPherson struts, look at the mounting at the top of the inner wing panel. By using our site, you agree to our. used to When the exhaust sprouts a leak through one of its many seals, it is no longer held together tightly so the movement from the engine vibrates down the exhaust and causes any loose plates to rattle. coil The ball joint for the lower control arm can be replaced as a separate component of the knuckle. How car suspension works torsion bars There should be little or no movement. If there is loose movement, or if covers are split, renew the joints (See These will fit any Polaris Model that uses the MacPherson Strut, and this is an insane deal! On others the track-rod end, and sometimes the track control arm or anti-roll bar or both, must be detached. While driving, the entire assembly can actually fall off. Read the dial indicator and check against the manufacturer’s specifications. Check the condition of the bolts and bushes that hold the inner ends of the wishbones to the car chassis. ", "Helped confirm what I suspected, that I had been shown it many years ago but forgot. forces Look for a wear indicator. % of people told us that this article helped them. My car is making a rattling sound when I start it. dampers On front-wheel-drive cars, check the condition of the constant-velocity joints on each Yes, you can replace it yourself, you can do almost everything on a vehicle yourself. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Wipe road dirt and grease from all the joints and pivots, and clean around the mounting brackets. Use a brake-hose clamp. There are various ways of attaching the wheels of the car so that they can move up and down on their springs and Fortunately, you can quickly and easily check your ball joints for excessive wear before you experience severe steering or suspension problems. I have a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder and I was told that I need to replace the passenger front ball joint. ). Struts are the connecting link between the upper strut bearing and the lower ball joint. Listen to the suspension Listen to the sound of your suspension while you're driving around. various suspension parts can easily topple a car that is not securely supported. Last Updated: April 2, 2019 Use a strong lever to try to move jointed components apart - any movement means that the joint must be replaced at a garage. If the strut is removed, inspect the lower control arm and radius rod bushings for looseness. There's ridiculous detail on every part. If you do need to take the strut, spring, and top mount apart, then you will need a spring compressor. On cars with conventional suspension systems, the steering knuckle includes a spindle and connects the upper and lower ball joints. Always refer to the owner's manual for more specific instructions and guidance. If any flexing is seen, the bush should be replaced. struts at the front, the rear or at both ends. Remember, a shock absorber provides resistance to bounce, roll or sway, brake dive, and acceleration squat. Lift it up slightly and feel for play in the upper ball joint. History. For tips from our mechanic reviewer on how to check the ball joints in a vehicle with McPherson strut suspension, keep reading! Cleaning the outside and checking for rust If any weak metal is found, take the car to a garage and have the rusty areas repaired - assuming the value of the car makes that worth the cost. While doing this, check the steering rack boots for oil leakage or ballooning. Some setups feature Torx bolts too, so check to see if your car has them, and what size bits you’ll need, before starting. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. In order to see if this is deflecting, you need to do the following: Jack the front end … You can buy them off of Amazon for $50, left, right, top, and bottom. This article was co-authored by Mike Parra. Examine the steering swivel pins for wear (See or Attach the dial indicator clamp to the lower control arm and locate the dial in a vertical position to measure axial runout at the steering knuckle. If necessary, loosen the ball joints from tie rod ends and stabiliser links. This article has been viewed 600,761 times. Otherwise, the suspension mounting may break loose. While the vehicle is still on the ground, look underneath the car, on the bottom of the steering knuckle attached to the wheel. The joints are usually protected by rubber gaiters. If you find any problems, you should recommend replacing the affected parts. Stop wasting time on YouTube and get serious! For vertical play, place the dial indicator against the steering knuckle stud nut or the ball joint housing, depending on the manufacturer. . The design of this site was heavily, heavily inspired by CSS-Tricks under their supercool licence. Check for corrosion, which is a common problem with older cars. Check the axle locating arm by trying to twist it in its bushes. Make sure, too, the pivot bolts are tight, and that the mounting brackets and the areas around the brackets are not corroded. How to check U-Joints How to replace anti-roll-bar bushes There is no room for a CV boot with the lower ball joints that close to the spindle center line. suspension system steering swivel joints Wheels must be on for some checks. The bushes gradually wear and lose their effectiveness. Examine all the swivels on the suspension and steering links. Place a long bar, usually a pry par, under the tire. There may be a binding or squeaking sound in addition to the stiff spot. Check all the mountings and rubber bushes at the ends of the Check the soundness of the metal at the anchorage point. Experienced mechanics will also just check play by the feel, listening closely for any clicking or easy motion that suggests the ball joint is worn out. This work must be done by a garage. While you are there, check the seal too. in the suspension instead of , and do so with as little change as possible in the distance between adjacent wheels or in the near-vertical angle of the The ball joints allow the suspension of your vehicle to move up and down, while at the same time allow the wheels to turn left and right. To check the ball joints in a vehicle with short long arm suspension, look under the car to see if you can find a wear indicator on the bottom of the steering knuckle. Just like the ball socket of your hip, they serve as one of the main pivot points connecting the control arms of the vehicle to the steering knuckle. On vehicles with strut suspensions, the non-load bearing lower joints are checked with the wheels off the ground and the suspension hanging free. It's best if you have a friend with experience, too, but it's not needed. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Because load-bearing ball joints carry vehicle weight, they usually wear first. Mike Parra is a Master Mechanic in Arizona. There shouldn’t be any wheel play. There is light ice underneath so I kicked it out and try to drive it again and it still shakes bad. Lever against the various components while looking carefully' to see if there is any movement in the joint or bush. If you suspect that a bush is damaged, check further by levering hard against it - make sure the other end of the lever is resting against a strong part of the suspension or floor I kinda thought the opposite. Checking steering swivel pins The outer end, where it is fixed to the suspension member, can be attacked by mud, stones and road debris. The automotive ball joint connects the control arm to the steering knuckle. Check for corrosion, which is a common problem with older cars. Macpherson Struts To take the place of the upper control arm in a conventional SLA suspension system, the spring and shock absorber are built as one assembly in the MacPherson strut design. Because of the constant movement of the suspension parts, the bushes gradually wear out, soften and perish. It should be intact. For a SLA suspension, the upper control arm can be blocked and the joint can be compressed. In order to check the condition of the ball joints, you need to jack the car and shake the control arm. Learn everything about modern cars from our new video series. If you find any joints or pivots to be worn or damaged, replace them (See arm, or any other rod which locates the axle. With weight off the suspension, inspect the rubber bushes for cracks, softness or distortion. References The rear suspension is simpler than the front, and most of the bushed joints are easy to inspect. Examine the rubber-bushed ends and joint dust covers. As for suspension wear, remember that the lower joint is a “follower” joint that is preloaded to maintain precise toe angle alignment. and damper. Be careful; removing these bolts can allow the strut assembly to fall. If you have control arms of unequal lengths, make sure the upper bump stop doesn’t touch the control arm. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. If the movement is beyond specifications, replace the ball joint. I feel like people are identifying that both have MacPherson struts and ball joints and somehow thinking that makes them similar more than a Honda front suspension would be. The price of ball joints varies, and Toyota OEM parts are a little bit more expensive. Even if there is no flexing, check also the condition of the bush itself. If any are found to be contaminated with oil, find the source of the leak and repair it, otherwise any new bushes fitted will be affected. Moving the steering knuckle can check lateral runout. It'll shudder slightly and look insecure if it needs to be replaced. Wipe each joint clean, and check if it is perished, cracked or contaminated by oil. Loosen and remove the bolts securing the top mounting kit to the strut tower. I just replaced the upper ball joints on my 2005 Chevy Trailblazer and they were $150 for each side. Then, a cinder block is … If the movement is beyond specifications, replace the ball joint. Take care not to crush brake pipes or cables. To detect the ball joint deflection, look at the below image. This is important because steering would not be too effective if the front wheels were not able to travel with varying demands created by even more diverse road surfaces and loads placed upon the suspension itself. What could this be? If you're into design, go and check them out. Checking Vehicles with Short Long Arm Suspension, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Check-Ball-Joints-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Check-Ball-Joints-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Check-Ball-Joints-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid695220-v4-728px-Check-Ball-Joints-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"