How long does the rear ball joint last?

Your vehicle's rear ball joints are part of the suspension system that connects the control arms to the wheels and allows you to steer your vehicle. Ball joints allow the wheels and control levers to work both with each other and independently of each other. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the rear ball joints may be good or sealed. Serviceable ball joints can be lubricated as needed, while sealed ball joints are a sealed unit containing a lubricant that was installed during manufacture and designed to last the life of the ball joint.

Every time your car is in motion, your rear ball joints work so you can steer efficiently and stay in control, even on rough roads. Needless to say, they can take a hit, and usually your ball joints won't last the lifetime of your car, unless you're planning on taking it out of service after 70,000-150,000 miles. The service life of ball bearings largely depends on road conditions. Generally speaking, if one ball joint fails, you should replace them all.

Signs that your ball joints are failing include:

• A screeching sound
• Shaky handlebar
• Weird noises in suspension
• car drift

A car with faulty ball joints is not safe to drive, so if you suspect your vehicle's joints need replacing, you should see a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and, if necessary, replace the ball joints.