Internal ball joint: everything you need to know
Content
The axial ball joint, a key component of your vehicle's steering and suspension system, has a ball joint that allows full rotation without any locking elements. It is integrated into the steering bar with a screw system, it must be balanced so as not to interfere with movement suspension of your car.
💡 What is the role of the axial ball joint?
A spherical axial ball joint provides a connection between suspensions и steering system car. Its main role is to compensate for suspension movements at level four. Wheels a car.
Thus, it allows steering transmission behind the wheels to orient them and make them turn correctly. Also known as a steering ball joint, it is protected by a bellows and allows the wheel and rack rods to be connected.
Located in hub carrier, this allows you to push the wheel either inward or outward. The round shape makes it particularly fragile when installed and removed.
Therefore, the installation of a special tool is required so as not to damage it by varying the tightening and loosening force. Once installed, the ball joint greased for the entire service life.
⚠️ What is the difference between an axial ball joint and a tie rod?
The axial ball joint or steering ball joint is integrated into the steering rod. It is screwed into Tie Rod as well as the connecting rods. The steering ball joint is attached to the hub holder and the steering link rod is at the end of the steering rack.
To put it incorrectly, the axial ball joint is sometimes confused with the rod, and it is called that, while the rod is a rod. inner ball joint.
📆 When to change the axial ball joint?
The axial ball joint is a wear part that must be changed at the frequency specified by the manufacturers. However, its durability is quite long because it is 100 to 000 kilometers... Several warning signs can alert you to poor condition of axial ball joints, for example:
- The game is felt towards : especially when you turn the wheels completely during certain maneuvers;
- There are vibrations when driving : they look like a sharp bend or a straight line;
- . bus wear out very quickly : they degrade noticeably;
- Road ownership is degraded : The vehicle loses its positioning accuracy on the road.
Ball joints are changing always in pairs to ensure symmetry at the control level. This change is followed by a check of the geometry and parallelism of your vehicle.
👨🔧 How to change the axial ball joint?
You can replace the axle joint yourself if you have advanced mechanical skills and the right equipment. After this intervention, you will be required to take your car to the garage to check parallelism your car. Follow our step-by-step instructions to achieve this with your vehicle.
Required material:
- Toolbox
- Protective gloves
- Protective glasses
- Axial ball joint puller
- New axial ball joint
- Un jack
- One candle
Step 1. Disassemble the wheels.
Before starting, you must place the vehicle on a jack to lift it to the side. Then you can start removing the caps and wheels. Place the car on a jack and turn the steering wheel to access the rear of the wheel, because this is where the axial ball joint is located.
Step 2: Remove the axial ball joint.
Locate the ball joint nut and unscrew it while holding the bolt. Use an axial joint puller to remove the ball joint. This will allow you to avoid power steering and damage your vehicle.
Step 3: Remove the tie rod.
Now you need to remove the tie rod so that you can install the new axle ball joint.
Step 4: Install a new axial ball joint
Screw the ball joint onto the steering rod, then adjust its length. Insert the new ball joint into the space provided behind the wheel. Tighten the nut again with the wrench.
💸 How much does it cost to replace an axial ball joint?
The new axial ball joint itself is inexpensive. Its price is about 5 for 10 € depending on the models and characteristics of your vehicle type.
However, mechanics must spend a few hours working on a vehicle and then become aware of the parallelism of that vehicle. Count between 100 € and 170 € for the labor force. On average, this intervention costs 200€, work and parts included.
Axle ball joints are important parts of your vehicle's steering system. They work, in particular, by means of steering rods located on the steering shaft of your car. At the first sign of a breakdown, make an appointment with our garage comparator!
