What does a ball joint do on a truck?
Ball joints are the critical components that connect your wheel hubs to the control arms. They provide universal pivoting movement between the wheel hubs and control arms to give you a safe, smooth ride and allow you to precisely control your vehicle.
How much do ball joints cost for a truck?
In general, ball joints are inexpensive with a range between $20 to $80 each. Labor will vary greatly by model. Some vehicles cost as low as $60 to $80. Yet others, especially four-wheel drive trucks, can range from $160 to $200 per ball joint.
Can you drive a truck with bad ball joints?
You should not drive with a bad ball joint. Continuing to drive can cause damage to other vehicle components and if the joint fails completely you could lose control of the vehicle, leading to a crash and injuries.
Can I replace ball joints myself?
Ball joints are not always an easy replacement, but a DIYer who is versed in changing suspension and brake components will probably be able to tackle the job.
How much should it cost to replace a ball joint?
A ball joint parts cost for most cars is usually around $80 – $150 each, but it can cost as high as $350 each in some luxury or performance cars. Meanwhile, labor cost is usually around $250 – $300. However, sometimes they can be as cheap as $150 depending on the repair shop’s labor rates.
How much will it cost to replace a ball joint?
How do you install ball joint?
Insert the shaft of the lower ball joint into the steering knuckle. Install the nut securing the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle and tighten to 33 foot-pounds of torque. Insert a cotter pin into the lower ball joint and secure the cotter pin using a pair of pliers.
How do you replace ball joints?
Remove the cotter pin and slotted nut (15/16″ socket) from the lower bolt and toss out the old pin. Take a 15/16″ ball joint separator (pickle fork) and whack it with a heavy hammer until the ball joint pops up out of the tapered hole. The geared hub will drop down out of the way supported by the lower ball joint.
Is it hard to change ball joints?
From that standpoint, yes, it is hard to replace ball joints – more than basic DIYr skills and tools are required. There is also the safety dimension for being in close proximity to a suspended vehicle, and a compressed spring that has enough force to cause serious harm if it comes loose.
What are the types of ball joints?
These joints, also called diathroses, are further categorized into several types: ball and socket, condylar, saddle, plane, hinge and pivot joints. The bones of synovial joints are separated by spaces, allowing movement to occur in different directions.