How do you tell if my wheel bearing or ball joint is bad?
If the tire rocks by any noticeable degree, and especially if the movement is accompanied by a clinking or clunking sound, you likely have a bad ball joint or two. This test can also indicate a bad wheel bearing, but that will also grumble and vibrate as you drive in a straight line.
What are 2 types of ball joints?
There are two kinds of ball joints. Ball joints are classified as either load-carrying or follower types, and their position in the suspension varies depending on the suspension design. Load-carrying ball joints are designed to support the weight of the vehicle while providing a pivot point for the steering system.
How can you tell if a ball joint is load bearing?
Loaded Joint: To check a loaded ball joint, place a jack or jack stand under the lower control arm to support the weight of the vehicle. Attach a dial indicator to the lower control arm and locate the dial in a vertical position to measure axial runout at the steering knuckle.
What is the difference between a load carrying ball joint and a follower ball joint?
The major difference between the two is that the load-bearing ball joint is not preloaded while the follower joint is preloaded. Wear in the load-bearing ball joint is measured in thousandths of an inch vertical and horizontal play.
How much play is allowed in a ball joint?
The old rule of thumb that ball joints with more than . 050 inches of play are worn does NOT hold true for all vehicles. Some ball joints should have NO visible play while others can handle up to . 250 inch or more of play and still be considered okay.
Why is it important to inspect the ball joints?
However, as ball joints play a crucial role in your suspension system, it’s important to recognize the signs that something might be wrong with them, and how to check to make sure. This is because when one ball joint starts to fail, the other side is likely to follow soon.
Can I replace my own ball joints?
Ball joint replacement is a common mechanical issue that needs to be fixed. Ball joints can become worn down and need to be replaced. You can save some money by doing it yourself instead of going to a mechanic.
How often should I replace ball joints?
between 70,000 to 150,000 miles