A Ball Joint is a vital component in a vehicles suspension system. The Ball Joint joins the Control Arm to the Steering Knuckle and provides smooth wheel travel on un-even road conditions. As a result of wear on a Ball Joint, driver steering control and overall vehicle stability will be affected.
During repair work, drivers are faced with an important decision, whether to only replace the worn Ball Joint or both sides. By understanding the condition of their vehicles suspension system, drivers can make better decisions regarding their repairs and avoid unnecessary costs.
Why Does a Ball Joint Wear Out?
Ball joints are constantly under pressure and in motion while you drive on a regular basis. Rough roads and many pot holes will cause them to wear out faster. If there is damage to the protective boot that covers the ball joint, it allows dirt and water to get into the joint. When this happens, there isn’t as much lubrication for the joint and the friction between the two pieces of metal in the joint increases. Eventually the joint may start to have too much “play” (i.e., looseness) or become completely loose. Drivers will often hear a knocking noise coming from the front of their car (suspension) and/or notice their tires wearing unevenly. West Vice Center can check for both of these issues to see if the ball joint is at the end of its functional life.
Is Replacing One Ball Joint Enough?
Replacing just one ball joint can be an acceptable alternative if you only have significant wear on one of your vehicle’s sides. You’re particularly likely to do this if the other side is still in great shape. A professional assessment should confirm that there are no signs of excess movement or damage to the protective boot of the undamaged ball joint. Your vehicle’s age and use history will also need to be taken into account. When you’re looking for Auto Repair in Chesapeake, VA, like West Vice Center make sure to get a complete explanation of the results from the assessment. By doing so, you can understand how to determine whether simply replacing one ball joint will suffice rather than spending money on repairs that aren’t needed.
What Should Drivers Check Before Authorising Repairs?
Drivers need to have their vehicle’s suspension system checked before they authorize any repair work. The mechanic should tell them exactly what’s wrong with each component of the ball joint (i.e., which one is bad) and explain why he believes this is the case based on what he found during his check.
In addition to knowing about the condition of the ball joint, drivers should find out if the replacement part meets their vehicle manufacturer’s standards. Drivers should confirm how much the entire repair will cost before authorizing it; in some cases, drivers may need to get their wheels aligned after the repair.