It is not recommended to replace the ball joint yourself. It is better to perform replacement of the components with the help of special equipment. For ball joints pressing out and in you will need a remover tool or a press. And for removing of the ball stud from the steering knuckle bracket sometimes a special wedge tool is used. It is prohibited to perform components demounting without a remover tool, using materials at hand, as you can damage the mounting seat in the arm or the socket of the ball joint itself. Wheels alignment may be necessary to be done after installation of new parts. It is recommended to replace the ball joints by a kit on the whole axle: for example, if the front right joint is broken down – it is advisable to replace all joints of the front axle: both lower and upper ones, if they are present. Also dust boots of the ball joints are to be replaced.

You will need a lifting platform or a jack to examine the ball joint. For inspection of the lower ball joint you need to lift the corresponding vehicle axle, set a support under the ball joint body and slightly lower the car to apply load on the part. At the same time, the wheel should remain in unloaded condition and should be able to rotate freely. Ask an assistant to slowly rotate the steering wheel in both directions while performing the inspection, as defect can be detected only at a certain position of the wheel. Grasp the upper and lower parts of the wheel and try to rock it. Presence of free play points at possible breakdown of the ball joint, but may also indicate defectiveness of the hub bearing or the arm bush. In order to more precisely estimate condition of the component, insert a crowbar between the steering knuckle and the arm and press the handle. A serviceable part should not have a free play. The upper ball joint can be checked without a lifting platform. To do so, you need to try to rock the wheel firstly with disengaged brake mechanism, then – at activated. On demounted ball joint you can also check the easiness of stud rotation: it shouldn’t rotate too freely.

It is better to install the ball joints of famous firms on your car. Their products undergo numerous tests, thus, they are notable for high quality and serve for many years. The best manufacturers of the ball joints nowadays are Delphi, Mapco, Meyle, Ruville, Sidem, Lemförder, Stark Professional Line, TRW, Triscan, Febi Bilstein, Sasic, Ridex, Swag, ABS, Metzger, Vaico, NK and other companies. You can always purchase spare parts of these brands in our online-shop at profitable price.

Defectiveness of the ball joint is typically indicated by such signs as:

• wheel wobbling;
• uneven wear of tyres;
• wheels misalignment;
• knocking of the ball joint, that is heard at cornering;
• increasing of force required for steering wheel rotation;
• deviation of the car from its trajectory and clicks in the suspension during braking.

You can learn about how to define defectiveness of the part in our answer to the question concerning ball joint inspection. Inspection is performed in service station conditions with the help of a special diagnostics stand.