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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 600,761 times. The ball joint for the lower control arm is pressed into the knuckle and the ball joint for the tension strut is part of the tension strut. The lower ball joint on a vehicle with MacPherson struts is a follower joint. If not, check Autozone's free repair guides. Approved. With MacPherson struts, look at the mounting at the top of the inner wing panel. Open the bonnet and bounce the front of the car up and down while watching the rubber bush at the centre of the strut mounting. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. The ball joint for the lower control arm can be replaced as a separate component of the knuckle. There's ridiculous detail on every part. Inspect tie rods, ball joints, shocks and springs, and odds and ends, like maybe your steering shaft and Pitman arm. wears out, you can buy a replacement cartridge which — depending on type — may or may not include new parts for the strut itself. Clearly and easily explained. Make sure, too, the pivot bolts are tight, and that the mounting brackets and the areas around the brackets are not corroded. The spindle (red) is rigidly connected to the lower portion of the strut (dark blue). ). Some you can replace yourself, others should be replaced at a garage. On some cars a reinforcing plate can be welded to the upper mount of the MacPherson strut, if rust has not weakened the rest of the structure. One ball joint takes about one hour of labor to replace. coil Ball joints play a very important part when it comes to the suspension components of almost all modern vehicles. Look for a wear indicator. Over time, a car’s ball joints may wear down. Fully inspect every piece of the steering and suspension, especially in the front end. ball joints I kinda thought the opposite. Decompress the suspension spring and remove the compression tool. It should be intact. A ball joint splitter may also be needed to pry the control arm and tie rod end away from the bottom of the hub. (See This work must be done by a garage. Examination of suspension parts can often be carried out with the wheels still on, but on some cars you may have to remove them. If any weak metal is found, take the car to a garage and have the rusty areas repaired - assuming the value of the car makes that worth the cost. Moving the steering knuckle can check lateral runout. Also, check the manufacturer's recommended service interval in the owner's manual. Examine the steering swivel pins for wear (See Read the dial indicator and check against the manufacturer’s specifications. The price of ball joints varies, and Toyota OEM parts are a little bit more expensive. Mike Parra is a Master Mechanic in Arizona. Or you can YouTube it/look online for the owner's manual. torsion bars On front-wheel-drive cars, check the condition of the constant-velocity joints on each The wheel’s alignment angles will be most affected when the upper ball joint wears out. Check all the mountings and rubber bushes at the ends of the drive shaft No, the boot will hold grease and keep out dirt and water, but doesn't affect the ball joint. With weight off the suspension, inspect the rubber bushes for cracks, softness or distortion. damper If any are found to be contaminated with oil, find the source of the leak and repair it, otherwise any new bushes fitted will be affected. Replace any that are cracked or are badly distorted. The wishbones support the steering swivel member at their outer ends, and the lower wishbone provides a mounting point for the This is important because steering would not be too effective if the front wheels were not able to travel with varying demands created by even more diverse road surfaces and loads placed upon the suspension itself. Oil contamination also causes them to deteriorate, and if they are allowed to deteriorate too much, they become loose and the steering and roadholding suffers. If any flexing is seen, the bush should be replaced. For a SLA suspension that has the coil spring over the top arm, the upper joint is loaded. Yes, you can replace it yourself, you can do almost everything on a vehicle yourself. Any movement of the strut relative to the body indicates a worn or damaged upper strut mount. imposed on the anti-roll bar subject it to constant twisting and flexing, which in turn put its various rubber mounting bushes under great load. Head-on view of a MacPherson strut front suspension. There are various ways of attaching the wheels of the car so that they can move up and down on their springs and If you do need to take the strut, spring, and top mount apart, then you will need a spring compressor. Finally, test the anti-roll bar mountings for tightness. INSTALL MACPHERSON RIDE STRUT ASSEMBLY. NOTE: To check ball joint wear on vehicles when the spring is supported on the upper control arm or when the spring is a part of a MacPherson strut or wear in any other type suspension not using ball joints when the front wheels are suspended on a solid axle, the … Always refer to the owner's manual for more specific instructions and guidance. Just like the ball socket of your hip, they serve as one of the main pivot points connecting the control arms of the vehicle to the steering knuckle. To measure play, simply raise the vehicle and allow the suspension … Any rusted metal should be treated with a proprietary anti-rust fluid and repainted (See Grab the wheel at the top and bottom (12 and 6 o’clock) to lift up and pull down. To Check Ball Joints - jack up the front end by lower control arm and then take a prybar and put it under the tire and lift up on the tire if it feels loose replace ball joints on that side. suspension system I have frequently seen people say that in order to check ball joints they must be unloaded by jacking under the control arm as close as possible to the ball joint. Check for corrosion, which is a common problem with older cars. suspension system Even if there is no flexing, check also the condition of … The bush should barely move. However, without the protection of a good boot, the ball joint will tend to wear faster, because it won't be properly lubed, and grit and rust will deteriorate the joint quickly. What is the torque specifications for ball joints? This article has been viewed 600,761 times. Be careful; removing these bolts can allow the strut assembly to fall. The inner mounting is on the floor pan and is usually well covered against deterioration, but can fail because of corrosion fatigue in due course. One of the simplest ways for the do-it-yourself Subaru enthusiast to inspect the ball joints on a Subaru STI that is for sale is to lift the front wheels off the ground and set it on jack stands. Many cars have to the road. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Because load-bearing ball joints carry vehicle weight, they usually wear first. Last Updated: April 2, 2019 Listen to the suspension Listen to the sound of your suspension while you're driving around. at the front, the rear or at both ends. inside a MacPherson Auto manufacturers build different suspension set-ups, so read the manual to determine which type of ball joint your vehicle uses. For a SLA suspension, the upper control arm can be blocked and the joint can be compressed. On others the track-rod end, and sometimes the track control arm or anti-roll bar or both, must be detached. Check the condition of the rubber bush and the state of the bolt. This article was co-authored by Mike Parra. or Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Grip and twist the track control and stabiliser arms, to see if there is movement in the ball joints. While the control arm allows for up and down motion, the steering knuckle turns the wheels when you turn the steering wheel. Check for corrosion at each point (See The lower ball joint is the load-carrying joint in this type of suspension, while the upper ball joint is the “follower,” with no significant load to support. Place a jack under the ball joint and load the joint by raising the jack. I've learned from friends or I've learned by books from auto stores (the library might have these). Degrease the brake disc and reverse all above steps. Upgrade your Polaris UTV with Super ATV Replacement Ball Joint (MacPherson Strut) today!! . What could this be? Stop wasting time on YouTube and get serious! Pre-assembled ball joints and bushings reduce install time (application-specific) ... take a moment to check the vehicle's ride height per the manufacturer's specifications, and test how well the shocks are working or if they are leaking. The If you're into design, go and check them out. By using our site, you agree to our. On cars with conventional suspension systems, the steering knuckle includes a spindle and connects the upper and lower ball joints. What does it mean if my vehicle is making a clanking sound underneath? You can buy them off of Amazon for $50, left, right, top, and bottom. If you see any movement inwards and outwards, examine the joints and bushes closely — they should not move. He is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified, has an AA degree in Automotive Repair Technology, and has over 20 years of mechanic experience. Get a helper to force the suspension upwards, using a long lever placed under the wheel, and look for play or distortion in all the joints and bushes. The ball joints allow the suspension of your vehicle to move up and down, while at the same time allow the wheels to turn left and right. Cleaning the outside and checking for rust Wheels must be on for some checks. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The design of this site was heavily, heavily inspired by CSS-Tricks under their supercool licence. If you find any joints or pivots to be worn or damaged, replace them (See Remember, a shock absorber provides resistance to bounce, roll or sway, brake dive, and acceleration squat. The joints are usually protected by rubber gaiters. Loosen and remove the bolts securing the top mounting kit to the strut tower. I feel like people are identifying that both have MacPherson struts and ball joints and somehow thinking that makes them similar more than a Honda front suspension would be. forces Polaris Replacement Ball Joint (MacPherson Strut) Super ATV has engineered a Replacement Ball Joint for your Polaris Machine. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. ) or have them replaced at a garage as soon as possible. lever We use cookies to make wikiHow great. This article was co-authored by Mike Parra. Use a brake-hose clamp. http://www.knowyourparts.com/product-category/ball-joint-control-arm-and-tie-rod-inspection-tips/, https://www.autoserviceprofessional.com/article/97841/suspension-inspection-tips-on-checking-a-variety-of-suspension-components, https://www.knowyourparts.com/technical-resources/ride-control/ball-joint-control-arm-and-tie-rod-inspection-tips/, https://www.knowyourparts.com/technical-resources/suspension/measure-ball-joint-wear/, https://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/tires/car-repair-car-jack-safety/, https://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/blog/how-to-check-ball-joints/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The bushes gradually wear and lose their effectiveness. It's best if you have a friend with experience, too, but it's not needed. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. tyres To check the ball joints in a vehicle with short long arm suspension, look under the car to see if you can find a wear indicator on the bottom of the steering knuckle. Macpherson Struts To take the place of the upper control arm in a conventional SLA suspension system, the spring and shock absorber are built as one assembly in the MacPherson strut design. Lift the car at the control arm close to the lower ball joint, about two inches off the ground. , and do so with as little change as possible in the distance between adjacent wheels or in the near-vertical angle of the Place a long bar, usually a pry par, under the tire. It is essential to make a regular check on the condition of all joints in the radius What should I do? Use a lamp in dark, underwing areas. Some ball joints have built-in wear indicators to alleviate the difficulty of trying to diagnose loose ball joints. Because the ball join… Also loosen the bolts holding the strut to the steering knuckle and any other steering link. and support that corner of the car with an axle stand placed under a chassis member. But it's very hard to determine because there are many different sounding "rattles.". Do not be afraid to lever hard against the mountings - road shocks can be severe, and the bushes need to be perfect. It acts only as a second pivot point for the steering knuckle. Look for any movement other than the normal pivoting motion. I have a 1998 Ford Mondeo, the car drives fine and smooth until I go over a bump. It'll shudder slightly and look insecure if it needs to be replaced. If the grease sacks are split open, does that mean the ball joints are bad? Can I do this myself? Very well done, thank you.". and the anti-roll and stabiliser bars. "Terminology, photos, and concepts were easy to understand, even if choosing to leave the testing to a professional. Now tighten the lower bolts of the MacPherson struts to the recommended torque. Check the axle locating arm by trying to twist it in its bushes. Move the dial gauge to the side of the nut and grab the tire at the bottom and move it in and out to check radial play of the joint. Is it okay to just replace one read ball joint if the dealer recommended I do so? dampers As the front wheels are steered, the strut pivots on its upper and lower ball joints (green). In automobiles, a double wishbone suspension is an independent suspension design using two (occasionally parallel) wishbone-shaped arms to locate the wheel.Each wishbone or arm has two mounting points to the chassis and one joint at the knuckle. You'll be able to feel a popping or you'll see it move. If any of these components fail, when you hit a bump, not all of your steering components do their job, causing a lot of free play depending on the situation. This article has been viewed 600,761 times. ", "Awesome article, great information for ball joints. various suspension parts can easily topple a car that is not securely supported. The rear suspension is simpler than the front, and most of the bushed joints are easy to inspect. I just replaced the upper ball joints on my 2005 Chevy Trailblazer and they were $150 for each side. What can damage ball joints when the car is moving? Experienced mechanics will also just check play by the feel, listening closely for any clicking or easy motion that suggests the ball joint is worn out. Support the car securely on In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. There shouldn’t be any wheel play. struts How to replace anti-roll-bar bushes Because of the constant movement of the suspension parts, the bushes gradually wear out, soften and perish. The grease fitting shouldn’t wiggle either. Take it to a garage to have the old bushes removed and new ones fitted, if they are available. If it has excess wear it can separate, causing the spindle assembly to fall partially off the car. plates When the damper inside a MacPherson strut wears out, ... on several cars there is no need to disconnect any of the steering ball joints or the anti-roll bar (if fitted). If your car doesn’t have a wear indicator, raise the front end of the car up, then use a dial indicator and rock the wheels to check for play. Check the wishbone joints where they pivot at the inner ends, and also the moving joints and pivots at the outer ends of the wishbone and track-control arms where they are fixed to the steering swivel members, or suspension legs in the case of MacPherson While doing this, check the steering rack boots for oil leakage or ballooning. Even if there is no flexing, check also the condition of the bush itself. Probe them with a screwdriver and tap them lightly with a hammer to see if they are sound. ", "All of the steps helped. Attach the dial indicator clamp to the lower control arm and locate the dial in a vertical position to measure axial runout at the steering knuckle. If you can’t find a wear indicator, or if the indicator doesn’t give you a clear enough sign, raise up the car to inspect the joint more thoroughly. On cars with MacPherson strut suspension systems, the steering knuckle connects the strut assembly to the lower ball joint. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. My car is making a rattling sound when I start it. While you are there, check the seal too. Naturally, inspect coil springs for breaks, cracks or coil bind. Renew any worn parts. If it tightens up, the steering will bind so you can have a stiff spot as you turn the steering wheel. While the vehicle is still on the ground, look underneath the car, on the bottom of the steering knuckle attached to the wheel. 7. Jack up the rear of the car and support it on stands with the front wheels chocked. Do you have the service/workshop manual? If the strut is removed, inspect the lower control arm and radius rod bushings for looseness. Check the joints at the end of the The ball joint should allow free twisting movement, but should not allow lateral movement. Alternatively, you could have a helper look closely at the joint itself to see if it appears loose as you move it. Fits multiple Polaris Models. The MacPherson strut is a type of automotive suspension system that uses the top of a telescopic damper as the upper steering pivot. Take care not to crush brake pipes or cables. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. When the Check the top pin bolts and rubber bushes: also the whole mounting plate and surrounding area for rust. Cleaning the outside and checking for rust. Jack the front of the car up, allowing the suspension to hang, and support it on axle stands. I don't really have adverts here: it's funded by wonderful people buying the Car Mechanics Video Course. There should be little or no movement. Check our general torque tightening schedule if you do not have access to the manufacturer's recommendations. Naturally getting underneath a vehicle supported only by a jack is not wise. Struts are usually gas charged, and they absorb the wear and tear of over-the-road travel. If it is badly corroded, it must be replaced at a garage, which may be able to weld in reinforcing in the suspension instead of You'll see movement between these two pieces in your lower A-arm and spindle (where the two arrows are): If there is any lateral movement here, it's bad, and needs replaced. ). The automotive ball joint connects the control arm to the steering knuckle. . How to check ball joints. Mike Parra is a Master Mechanic in Arizona. Signs that your car might need new struts include bottoming out on bumps, cupped tire wear, swaying and obsessive bouncing. When the exhaust sprouts a leak through one of its many seals, it is no longer held together tightly so the movement from the engine vibrates down the exhaust and causes any loose plates to rattle. Do the ball joints have to sit flush when I have a clunking noise after replacing my ball joints? Struts are the connecting link between the upper strut bearing and the lower ball joint. ). For tips from our mechanic reviewer on how to check the ball joints in a vehicle with McPherson strut suspension, keep reading! We've created the most detailed 3D model ever produced so we can show you everything working. They quoted $321. If any flexing is seen, the bush should be replaced. Remove the wheel if necessary, and examine all the rubber bushes as they are distorted by the weight of the suspension. % of people told us that this article helped them. Wipe each joint clean, and check if it is perished, cracked or contaminated by oil. If there is more play then the manufacturer recommends, then the joints are worn out. leaf spring If the ball joint has a built-in wear indicator, joint play should be checked … History. For vertical play, place the dial indicator against the steering knuckle stud nut or the ball joint housing, depending on the manufacturer. With MacPherson struts, look at the mounting at the top of the inner wing panel. I personally replace everything in twos, but if your vehicle was inspected by a licensed mechanic and he didn't try to upsell you on two Ball joints, then more than likely the other side is fine. The bush should barely move. To detect the ball joint deflection, look at the below image. If there is loose movement, or if covers are split, renew the joints (See How a Car Works is created, written by, and maintained by Alex Muir. I have a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder and I was told that I need to replace the passenger front ball joint. Pull against the top and bottom pins with a stout lever wedged against a solid chassis member. We start by tearing down and then rebuilding the whole car. Lift it up slightly and feel for play in the upper ball joint. There is light ice underneath so I kicked it out and try to drive it again and it still shakes bad. Over a period of years the rubber hardens and tends to crack. Some setups feature Torx bolts too, so check to see if your car has them, and what size bits you’ll need, before starting. Thanks for reminding me. Check the condition of the bolts and bushes that hold the inner ends of the wishbones to the car chassis. If they are not, the complete arm assembly must be replaced. How to check U-Joints If the movement is beyond specifications, replace the ball joint. Usually, removing the rear suspension locating arms is straight-forward - unscrew the pivot bolts and lift out the arm. Learn everything about modern cars from our new video series. How much does it cost to replace ball joints?