How Much Does A Ball Joint Replacement Cost?

1 What Is A Ball Joint And How Does It Work?

A ball joint connects the steering knuckle and the control arm and supports the weight of the vehicle while acting as a steering pivot point. It is a vital part of a car’s suspension system and is usually housed at the end of a control arm and can be replaced separately whenever required. However, some ball joints are built directly into the control arm as a single unit. In such a case, the complete control arm with ball joint has to be replaced.

The primary function of a ball joint is to allow your wheels to turn left or right according to the steering input and move up and down while driving over bumps and uneven roads. Most front-wheel cars have only 2 ball joints in front, one on each side. Some high-end cars, SUVs, pickups, and trucks have two control arms on each side: upper and lower control arms. Each control arm has one ball joint, making it a total of 4 ball joints. A ball joint mainly consists of four parts: a ball, socket, tapered shaft, and rubber boot. The ball is enclosed in the socket connected to the tapered shaft that is attached to the steering knuckle. The ball joint dust boots provide protection against any foreign particles (dust, debris, moisture, etc.) that can harm the ball joint. It also seals the lubrication inside and protects the ball joint from getting dry.

2 How Do Ball Joints Fail?

The control arm and ball joint of your vehicle are constantly exposed to road elements like dirt, grime, water, and salt. Prolonged exposure to such conditions can allow the contaminants to enter the ball joint and lead to a loss of lubrication. Over time, it can also cause the ball joint to rust and lead to excessive play or looseness. Other factors, like rough driving and bad roads, can also affect the overall life of a ball joint. Some symptoms of a failing ball joint include steering wheel vibrations, excessive tire wear, vibrations, and noises from your suspension system. In the worst-case a complete failure of the joint causes your vehicle’s suspension to collapse and lose control over the vehicle.

3 How To Check A Ball Joint?

Some ball joints have built-in wear indicators that tell you about the condition of the joint. Some of these wear indicators have a movable grease fitting. When a collar of the grease fitting is flushed with or below the bottom of the ball joint housing, that means the joint is worn out and needs to be replaced. While the other types have a wear indicator pin protruding through a hole in the bottom of the ball joint. As long as the pin is visible, the ball joint is in a good condition. When it becomes flush with the housing or is not visible, then it’s time to replace the ball joint. In case your ball joint doesn’t come with these indicators or you want to check the ball joints yourself, you can do it by following these steps:

1. Park your vehicle on a flat surface and slightly loose lug nuts on the wheel until they are hand tight.
2. Put on the parking brakes and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
3. Lift the front of the car and secure it on jack stands.
4. Grab the top and bottom of the wheel and rock it in and out along the wheel’s axis. If the ball joint is in good condition there should be little to no play at all.
5. If there’s play and noise, it means you have a bad ball joint. If it’s coming from the top, it means the upper joint is worn out. If it’s coming from the bottom, it means the lower joint is damaged.
6. Remove the wheel to visually inspect for damaged dust boots and grease leakage. If the boot is damaged or leaking, it means the ball joint needs to be replaced.
7. Pry the ball joint apart with a pry bar to inspect for play or clicking sounds. A good ball joint shouldn’t be loose.
8. Once done, put the wheel back on and repeat the process for the other wheels.

4 How Much Does Ball Joint Replacement Cost?

The total cost of ball joint replacement is usually around $400 to $800, with $80 to $200 for ball joints. The price of a ball joint can go as high as $350 for performance and luxury cars. Furthermore, the labor cost of replacing ball joints adds an extra $250 to $300 to the bill. However, these prices are estimates and vary across different regions and the vehicle makes and models. Ball joint replacement also requires wheel alignment, which may cost you around $100 to $150.

Some sample costs of replacing ball joints for some popular car models are mentioned in the table below. These prices are an estimate and are subject to change. They do not include taxes, diagnostics, and other charges.

A significant factor that determines the total cost of ball joint replacement is your car model. If you drive a Dodge Ram 1500, the cost of a ball joint can go up to $260. Adding labor costs can bump the price further to a total of $500 for each ball joint. Whereas, replacing the same ball joint on a Honda Civic will cost you just half, which is around $250 approximately. 

OEM parts from the dealership can also increase the lower ball joint replacement cost as they are costly compared to aftermarket parts. If you plan on saving money and expect OE quality and performance, you can choose ball joints from several reputed aftermarket manufacturers. These parts are manufactured to meet OEM part specifications and performance and are even offered with warranties.

5 How To Replace A Bad Ball Joint?

Compared to routine car maintenance and replacing other suspension components, replacing a ball joint is a little tough. If you are well-versed in changing your suspension and brake components, you might ‌tackle this task easily. In most vehicles, the ball joints are pressed or bolted onto the control arm. If the ball joint on your vehicle is part of the control arm, it requires complete replacement of the control and ball joint assembly as a single unit. Depending on your experience, you might want to consult a qualified mechanic for advice. However, if you wish to replace your ball joints yourself, follow the detailed stepwise guide below.

Tools Required

• Car Jack
• Jack Stands
• Wheel Chocks
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Torque Wrench
• Hammer
• Pry Bar
• Ball Joint Press
• Complete Strut Assembly
• Ratchet

Step 1: Removing The Old Ball Joint

1. Park your car on a leveled surface, jack it up, and apply jack stands to ensure safety. 
2. Remove the wheel by removing the lug nuts to access the ball joints.
3. In some vehicles, the sway bars have to be removed to get better access to the control arm. Remove the mounting brackets to move the sway bar out of the way.
4. Remove the brake calipers and hang them safely using a bungee cord to protect the brake line. Also, remove the brake rotors and ABS sensor to get better access to the ball joint. Check and replace them if damaged.
5. Spray WD-40 or penetrating oil on the pinch bolt or the castle nut for easy removal. If your vehicle uses McPherson strut suspension, it’s most likely to have a pinch bolt. You might have to tap the bolt with a hammer to remove it from the steering knuckle. If the lower ball joint is secured by a castle nut, use a socket wrench to remove it.
6. With the pinch bolt or castle nut removed, use a pitchfork tool or a ball joint separator to disengage the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
7. Slide the fork between the ball joint and the control arm and use a hammer to tap the back of it. This will set the ball joint loose from the control arm.
8. Use a pry bar and slide it over the control arm and under the steering knuckle. Now leverage it to remove the control arm with ball joint from the steering knuckle completely.
9. Remove the snap ring from the ball joint using a flathead screwdriver and needle-nose pliers.
10. Now, use a ball joint press to safely remove the ball joint from the lower control arm. While removing the ball joint with the help of the ball joint press, place the press tube around the ball joint and under the lower control arm. The reverse is done while mounting a new ball joint.
11. Repeat the same procedure to remove the upper ball joints. Use a pry bar on the upper control arm and ball joint to pull it out from the steering knuckle.

Step 2: Installing The New Ball Joints

1. To install new ball joints, use the ball joint press upside down. Ensure you have enough room below the control arm before starting the next step.
2. Use the press tube of the ball joint press tool on the top and in the opposite fashion as you did while removing the ball joints in the first step. Make sure the tool is centered perfectly before tightening the ball joint.
3. Once the ball joint is tight with the control arm, attach the snap ring back using needle-nose pliers to secure it properly.
4. Use the press tube to attach the dust boot to the ball joint. If the new ball joint came with a grease fitting, attach the grease fitting on the top of the ball joint using a spanner.
5. With the lower ball joint in place, attach the upper ball joint if your car has one.
6. Reattach the control arm with the ball joint to the steering knuckle. You can use the pry bar again to position the assembly perfectly.
7. Once the ball joint is in place. Fasten the castle nut or pinch bolt to the manufacturer’s specifications using a torque wrench and insert the cotter pin.
8. Reinstall the brake rotors and brake calipers. Make sure the brake line is not damaged in the process and working fine.
9. Reattach the sway bar, if removed earlier, and fasten the lug nuts to reattach the wheel.
10. Repeat the process for the ball joint on the other side of the vehicle.
11. Lower down the vehicle and check the wheel alignment before rolling out for a drive.

6 Tips To Remember While Replacing Ball Joints

1. If you are not experienced in carrying out vehicle maintenance and haven’t changed the suspension or related parts of your vehicle, we recommend that you should consult a professional. There are some vehicle repairs that should be done by a qualified mechanic to prevent further issues.
2. Always ensure the ball joint is of the same specification as specified by the vehicle manufacturer. To make sure you choose the correct part, you can refer to our ultimate ball joint buying guide.
3. Always consider replacing the ball joints on the other side as well. Since the mileage of both ball joints is the same, if one is damaged, the other might fail soon. Also, replace both the upper and the lower ball joints if your vehicle has two control arms.
4. Use a torque wrench to tighten the nuts and bolts to the torque values specified by the manufacturer. You can also refer to the user manual for specific torque values.
5. While replacing car ball joints, always ensure you use the correct tools designed for replacing ball joints. This reduces damage to the components and saves a lot of time in installation.
6. Always perform a wheel alignment before taking your vehicle out for a ride.
7. Don’t forget to lubricate the ball joints and test your vehicle after completing the installation. If you experience any issues and symptoms, consult a professional mechanic and get them fixed.

7 FAQs

How many ball joints does a car have?

The number of ball joints in a car depends on the car’s design. Virtually all cars have two ball joints that are pressed into the lower control arms. Each front wheel has one ball joint on the control arm, making it a total of two ball joints. However, cars with short, long arm (SLA) suspension systems have four ball joints on the front wheels – one on each front wheel. And each of these wheels has upper and lower ball joints. Some cars also have two rear ball joints.

Can I replace ball joints myself?

It is possible to replace ball joints yourself, but it can be a challenging task. Replacing ball joints requires specialized tools and knowledge of the car’s suspension system. If you are not confident in your ability to perform this task, it is recommended that you take your car to a professional mechanic. However, if you are experienced with car repairs and have the necessary tools, you can replace ball joints yourself by following the proper procedures.

How often should ball joints be replaced?

Ball joints should be inspected for wear at regular intervals, such as at oil changes. However, ball-joint replacement is typically not listed on a vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

It is important to note that the lifespan of ball joints can vary depending on factors such as driving conditions, frequency of use, and the type of ball joint, it is suggested that ball joints should be periodically inspected and replaced if worn.

How long can you drive on a bad ball joint?

Driving with a bad ball joint can lead to catastrophic consequences. A faulty ball joint can seriously compromise the stability and control of your vehicle, resulting in accidents and loss of control.

It is recommended that you avoid driving with a bad ball joint at all costs. Signs of a failing ball joint include uneven tire wear, clunking or knocking noises, vibrations in the steering wheel, handling issues, and visible damage.

How to put the ball joint into the knuckle?

Here are the steps to install a ball joint into a knuckle:

1. First, remove the old ball joint from the knuckle by using a ball joint press tool.
2. Clean the knuckle and ball joint mounting surface with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
3. Apply a small amount of grease to the ball joint mounting surface.
4. Insert the new ball joint into the knuckle and ensure that it is properly seated.
5. Install the ball joint nut and torque it to the manufacturer’s specifications.
6. Reinstall the brake rotor and caliper assembly.

What happens when the ball joint goes bad?

When a ball joint goes bad, it can cause a variety of issues. Some common symptoms of a bad ball joint include:

• Clunking noises when driving over uneven surfaces or while turning
• Steering wander and less precise steering response
• Uneven tire wear
• Vibration in the steering wheel

Should I replace upper and lower ball joints at the same time?

Many mechanics recommend replacing both the upper and lower ball joints at the same time. However, if only one ball joint is damaged, it is not necessary to replace both.

It is important to note that replacing ball joints requires specialized tools and knowledge of the car’s suspension system. If you are not confident in your ability to perform this task, it is recommended that you take your car to a professional mechanic. However, if you are experienced with car repairs and have the necessary tools, you can replace ball joints yourself by following the proper procedures.

How hard is it to replace ball joints?

Replacing ball joints can be a challenging task, but it is possible to do it yourself by following the proper procedures.

What is the ball joint connected to?

Ball joints are spherical bearings that connect the control arms to the steering knuckles, and are used on virtually every automobile made1. A ball joint consists of a bearing stud and socket enclosed in a casing; all these parts are made of steel. The bearing stud is tapered and threaded, and fits into a tapered hole in the steering knuckle. A protective encasing prevents dirt from getting into the joint assembly. Usually, this is a rubber-like boot that allows movement and expansion of lubricant.

Where to get ball joints replaced near me?

This depends on your location, try an internet search to help you locate auto workshops near you.

Can you do an alignment with bad ball joints?

It is not necessary to perform an alignment after replacing ball joints unless the previous alignment was performed when the ball joints were not in good shape. However, driving with bad ball joints can cause serious issues such as clunking noises, steering wander, uneven tire wear, and vibrations in the steering wheel. It is recommended that you avoid driving with bad ball joints at all costs and have them replaced as soon as possible.

Can you replace the ball joint without replacing the control arm?

It is possible to replace just the ball joint without replacing the entire control arm. However, this decision depends on the cost/benefit analysis and an assessment of different serviceable parts.

It is important to note that replacing ball joints requires specialized tools and knowledge of the car’s suspension system. If you are not confident in your ability to perform this task, it is recommended that you take your car to a professional mechanic. However, if you are experienced with car repairs and have the necessary tools, you can replace ball joints yourself by following the proper procedures.