How do I know if my upper or lower ball joints are bad?
To check a ball joint for horizontal play you need to grab the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions of the wheel and rock the top and bottom of the wheel in and out. If you can hear clunking or grinding or you can see excessive movement in the ball joint then it probably needs to be replaced.
How do you know if your ball joints are going bad?
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.
Do you need an alignment after replacing ball joints?
No, you certainly don’t need alignment after ball joints, unless your previous alignment was done when ball joints were bad and loose. If your car is driving sloppy after ball joints replacement, check other suspension parts.
Should you replace upper and lower ball joints together?
Many technicians recommend replacing both joints at the same time (both lowers, both uppers or all four). Another item that should be checked when ball joints are replaced is the stud hole in the steering knuckle — especially if the ball joint stud has broken or is loose.
Do upper ball joints affect alignment?
A ball joints is made to fit tightly into its steel casing; excessive wear will allow for more room for the ball to move in the socket, which can affect wheel alignment, tire wear, and suspension noise. As ball joints wear, this can hamper your ability to steer and control the vehicle.
What happens if you over tighten ball joints?
Improper torquing will cause looseness that may eventually cause joint stud breakage and damage to the steering knuckle. Also, looseness due to improper torquing may produce the same symptoms as a defective ball joint and may lead to unnecessary replacement.
Do you need an alignment after replacing control arm bushings?
We would recommend that the alignment be checked. The actual replacement of the control arm would not change the alignment angles, but what caused the need to change the control arm(impact with curb or pothole?) Alignment angles should be checked on a regular bases to insure tire tread life and maximum fuel economy.
What kind of grease is best for ball joints?
- Lucas Oil – Best Grease for Ball Joints. According to Lucas Oil, its product lasts four times longer than the average grease.
- Valvoline – Best Grease for u-Joints.
- Royal Purple – Best Grease for Moog Ball Joints.
- Red Line – Best Grease for CV Joints.
Can I put WD40 on my ball joints?
The fix is to prick a small hole in the ball joint boot and spray WD40 into the boot. It worked on mine, but not for very long, couple of months at most. I went years before replacing that control arm doing a similar thing. Although, I used grease.
Can you put too much grease in a bearing?
Too much grease volume (overgreasing) in a bearing cavity will cause the rotating bearing elements to begin churning the grease, pushing it out of the way, resulting in energy loss and rising temperatures. This can result in accelerated wear of the rolling elements and then component failure.
How often should you grease fittings?
about every 6 months
How much does it cost to lubricate suspension?
How much does Lubricate Suspension cost?
| Cars | Estimate | Average Dealer Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 Dodge Dakota | $80 | $107.50 |
| 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser | $80 | $107.50 |
| 2007 Audi A4 Quattro | $80 | $107.50 |
| 2016 BMW X3 | $80 | $107.50 |
How often should you grease your excavator?
one to three shots
How often should you grease a loader?
every eight hours