Ball joint and suspension system for your car

An important part of your car’s suspension system is its ball joints. The extremely durable steel ball joint acts as a pivot point between the two parts of the suspension and the car tires. This part helps support the weight of your car, and as in some cars, they may be used to help set the alignment. Let’s take a closer look at this important component of your car’s suspension system.

The joints in a steel housing are used in almost every car, truck, SUV and minivan front end. As expected, this important component is exposed to a lot of wear and is housed in a sealed boot for proper protection and to prevent dirt from the joint assembly.

There are two types of suspension systems that use ball joints. The first is a traditional system that uses upper and lower joints. The second is called the MacPherson strut system, which uses a single lower joint and upper strut bearing. The upper strut bearing works instead, so no upper joint is needed.

The maintenance of this component has changed over the years on most cars. Many vehicles are equipped with permanently lubricated joints that do not require lubrication. Lubrication is also impossible because the pack that holds the lubrication is permanently sealed. If they are worn or damaged, you can find replacement parts that come with lubrication fittings. In this case, new units should be lubricated on a regular basis, such as when changing vehicle oil.

When inspecting a car’s suspension, you should also look at the ball joints. Perform a perfect wheel alignment and make sure it is not worn. If they are worn and not replaced, they will soon result in uneven tire wear and unreliable steering such as wobbling. Obviously, worn parts are a safety issue and need immediate care and repair.

These parts are developed for specific manufacturers / models of vehicles. Many models share the same suspension system as the other models in the brand, but check your vehicle’s repair manual for the correct replacement parts. Certain manufacturers, such as Moog, develop parts for many manufacturers / models and can be used by mechanics who prefer this particular product. Find out more about Moog parts and whether they are suitable for your car online.

Remember: Ball joints are an important part of your car’s suspension system. Annual suspension inspections can avoid costly issues that can also affect safety.