On some cars, the ball joint is integrated into the control arm. Not all ball joints are created equal. Parts that are made from premium materials with an innovative design have greater strength and durability. MOOG ball joints are made from superior compounds that are better able to cope with high temperatures, dirt and abrasion.
The housings are forged from a single block of fine-grain alloy steel for greater strength. Ball joints play a major role in the steering and suspension of cars and can last a long time. However, driving on bad ball joints can cause major damage and total ball joint failure can be fatal.
Discover long-lasting parts and problem-solving tools that make ball joint replacement easy. Read more. Seven reasons to visit a mechanic. How much does it cost to fix your car's suspension.
How a car steering system works: easy guide. Please review and accept our Privacy Policy before signing up for the newsletter. Find My Part. Products Light Vehicles Commercial Vehicles. Why MOOG. Where to buy. About Us. If a ball joint fails, it can have dire consequences.
Read on to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a failing ball joint. The wheel hubs, on which your wheels and tires are mounted, are attached to the outer ends of each control arm and remain generally vertical as they move up and down with the pivoting of the control arms. The hubs are also connected to your steering system and must be able to pivot left and right at any point in their up and down movement.
Ball joints are the critical components that connect your wheel hubs to the control arms. They provide universal pivoting movement between the wheel hubs and control arms to give you a safe, smooth ride and allow you to precisely control your vehicle. Their actual lifespan will depend on your driving habits, road conditions and exposure to road splash and salt.
As the ball and socket wear together, the normally close tolerance between them will increase and the ball joint will become loose over time. Sound — Usually the first indication of worn or loose ball joints will be a faint, intermittent clunking noise that seems to be coming from a corner of your vehicle. The sound may be more pronounced when going over a bump or a dip or when going around a corner. While the sound may be faint at first, as time goes on and the wear continues, the sound will become louder and more frequent.
Feeling a vibration in the steering wheel while driving down a level, straight road, or your vehicle drifting to the right or left when going over bumps may also be signs of ball joint wear. Tires — Uneven tire wear may be a sign that your ball joints are wearing out. So, what exactly is the life of a ball joint? Ball joints are always working any time that you are driving, and they are not permanent fixtures in your vehicle.
They are vulnerable to damage from rough road conditions, as well as ordinary wear and tear. Generally speaking, you should expect to have to have your ball joints replaced between 70, to , miles of driving. Signs that your ball joints may need to be replaced include:. Your ball joints are essential to the drivability of your car, and to your safety. So if you notice any of the above symptoms, and you think that your ball joints may need to be replaced, you should consult a professional mechanic as soon as possible to have the ball joint swapped immediately.
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