How to buy good quality ball joints

Even though the name sounds small, the function is big. Ball joints help support your vehicle's weight by acting as a connecting point and pivot point between the suspension and tires. In modern cars, these parts are usually ...

Even though the name sounds small, the function is big. Ball joints help support your vehicle's weight by acting as a connecting point and pivot point between the suspension and tires. In modern cars these parts are usually lubricated so you never need to re-lubricate them. A car may have upper and lower ball joints on each side or, in the case of many modern vehicles, it may have a MacPherson strut suspension that uses only one joint on each side. While lubrication usually lasts the life of the part, the ball joints themselves can wear and fail. Signs that your ball joints need replacing include:

• Uneven tire wear is one of the main signs that this part needs to be replaced.
• Traction or other abnormal steering problems
• Knock, especially when driving over bumps

Since the ball joints are subjected to considerable stress from repetitive turns as well as bearing the weight of the car, you need to make sure you buy replacement joints that are strong, durable and made from quality materials.

Keep a few things in mind to make sure you are getting good quality ball joints:

• First check if the installation is correct A: Check the user manual or the car manufacturer's website for the exact specifications for your part. You will need to figure out if your car has a top and bottom or just one on each side and double check you are using the correct one before installing because the top and bottom are different.

• Choose quality designA: Even though the parts are basically the same—bearings, spring or washer, housing, end cap, and ball stud—that doesn't mean the durability inside is the same. You need high-strength metal bearings that will stand up to any challenge.

• Choose quality materials: Hardened steel and other heavy duty materials are better because they are wear resistant.

• Look for high resistance coating: This protects parts from corrosion caused by contaminants.

AvtoTachki supplies the highest quality ball joints to certified field technicians. We can also install the ball joint you purchased. Click here for a quote and more information on ball joint replacement.