Ball Joint 101
Welcome to the Ball Joint Site! Your resource to learn about ball joints, tools and how they are used.
What is a Ball Joint?
A ball joint in simple terms is a bearing. This bearing allows movement on the X,Y,Z axis and reduces vibration in moving linkages. Ball joints in cars and trucks connect the upper control arm (UCA) to the steering knuckle. Ball joints have a taped rod that fits into the knuckle and are attached at the bottom with a castle nut. These nuts have cutouts that allow a cotter pin to be attached preventing the nut from spinning off.
Adjustable and Fixed Ball Joint
Ball Joint Taper
Castle Nut and Cotter Pin
What are Adjustable Ball Joints?
Due to normal wear and tear, and accident, potholes or even hitting a curb a cars alignment can be altered. If you ever have felt your car pulling to one side or the other, seen uneven or odd tire wear it’s a good chance your car has an alignment issue.
If you have a clunking, or grinding noise when going over bumps or steering, it’s a good change you have a ball joint issue.
Due to the ball joints location in the suspension system, it is the perfect place to change alignment angles like camber and caster. This is where adjustable ball joints come into play. These specialized ball joints feature a sliding section that allows a qualified technician to adjust alignment angles to correct a flaw in the vehicle, adjust for height change, and adjust for different tire configurations or even performance. High quality ball joints like those from Specialty Products also often let the tech adjust for caster, a steering angle which is critical when a car or truck has a height change.
How Do I Know If I Need New Ball Joints or an Alignment?
The first place to start is in the drivers seat! You know your car best. Do you find that the car is pulling to one side? Do you have feathering or cupping on your tires? Do you feel and hear a clunking noise when going over speed bumps? If you hear or see any of these symptoms, its best to head over to a trusted shop that can perform alignments. Then a technician can get the alignment readings for your vehicle and let you know if it’s out of manufacturer specification. From there, an adjustable ball joint may be the solution to your issues.
How Much Do Adjustable Ball Joints Cost?
If you car does need ball joints, resist the urge to skimp. Ball joints are an integral part of the vehicles steering and suspension system and cutting corners could have consequences. Visit a reputable shop and make sure they are using a trusted brand.
Are Ball Joints Hard To Install?
This question really depends on the vehicle. View the video above to see an installation of an adjustable ball joint. Specialized tools are needed, along with an alignment to set the correct angles after installation. For these reasons its best to have a reputable shop install your new ball joints. Typical installation time is about 30 minutes per side.
Where Can I Buy Adjustable Ball Joints?
Visit the ball joint shop above to find reputable ball joint manufactures.
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