How Long Do Ball Joints Last?

Ball joints typically last between 70,000 To 150,000 miles. It also depends on driving conditions and vehicle type. 

What Are Ball Joints?

Ball joints are very important parts in a car. They are small, round pieces that help the wheels move. You can think of them like the ball on your shoulder. That ball lets your arm or leg move in different directions. In the same way, a ball joint helps the wheel turn left, right, up, and down.

Ball joints sit between the wheels and the rest of the car. They let the wheels go up and down when you drive on bumpy roads. They also let you steer the car easily. The car cannot drive safely without ball joints.

Why Are Ball Joints Important?

Ball joints help the car move easily. The ball joints help the wheels turn when you turn the steering wheel. The ball joints help the wheels move up and down when you drive over bumps.

The car may feel shaky if the ball joints do not work well. You may hear strange sounds like clunking or knocking. Sometimes, the car may feel like it is not going straight. This can be dangerous if you are driving fast or turning.

Good ball joints help keep the tires straight. If they are broken, the tires may wear out quickly. That means you will need to change the tires more often. Also, the steering wheel might feel loose or hard to control. That is why it is important to check your ball joints.

How Long Do Ball Joints Last?

Ball joints do not last forever. But they can work for a long time if you drive carefully. Most ball joints last between 70,000 kilometers and 150,000 kilometers. That is a big range because how long they last depends on how and where you drive.

If you drive mostly on smooth roads, then your ball joints may last longer. If you drive on rough roads with a lot of holes, then they may wear out faster. Driving very fast, turning hard, or carrying heavy loads can also damage the ball joints.

Some cars have stronger ball joints than others. Some are made of better materials. Some are built to handle tough driving. So, every car is a little different.

How Do You Know If Ball Joints Are Worn Out?

Sometimes, you can feel when the ball joints are going bad. The car may make a sound when you go over a bump. This sound can be a knock or a clunk. You may feel the steering wheel shake or move by itself.

Other times, the car may feel like it is pulling to one side. The front tires may wear out on one side more than the other. If you turn the steering wheel and it feels loose or too soft, then that can be a sign too.

It is a good idea to go to a car repair shop when you see these signs. A mechanic can check the ball joints. They will lift the car and move the wheel to see if it is loose. If the ball joint moves too much, then it is time to change it.

Can You Drive With Bad Ball Joints?

It is not safe to drive with bad ball joints. If a ball joint breaks during driving then the wheel can come loose. The car can go out of control. You may not be able to stop or steer the car. That can cause a serious accident.

Even if the ball joint is not fully broken, it is still risky to drive. The more you drive with a bad ball joint, the worse it gets. The damage can spread to other parts like tires, suspension, and steering.

So, if your car feels strange or you hear strange noises, get it checked quickly. Fixing a ball joint is much cheaper than fixing a big problem later.

What Happens If You Don’t Replace Ball Joints?

If you do not change bad ball joints, then your car can become dangerous to drive. The wheel may become very loose. The tires may wear out faster. The steering can stop working well. The car can shake and move in the wrong direction.

Sometimes, the ball joint can come out of its place. When this happens, the wheel may fall to the side. The car cannot move anymore. You may need to call a tow truck.

This kind of damage can cost a lot of money to fix. But if you check and change the ball joints early, then you can avoid all these problems. It saves time, money, and keeps you safe.

How To Make Ball Joints Last Longer?

If you want your ball joints to last a long time, then try to drive nicely. Avoid big bumps and holes in the road. Do not turn the steering wheel too hard when the car is not moving.

Do not carry very heavy loads in your car all the time. Heavy weight puts more pressure on the ball joints. Also, get your tires checked and your car aligned regularly. This helps reduce stress on the ball joints.

You can ask your mechanic to check the ball joints when you go for regular service. That way, you can fix small problems before they become big.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Ball Joints?

The cost to change ball joints can be different in each country. It also depends on the type of car you have. In some places, it may cost between $100 to $300 per ball joint for parts and labor.

If your car has two ball joints on each wheel (upper and lower) then you may need to change both. Some mechanics may charge more if the ball joints are hard to reach. But it is always cheaper to fix it early, before other parts break.

If you know how to fix cars, then you can buy the ball joints and change them yourself. But if you are not sure, then it is better to go to a professional.

Final Words

Ball joints are small but very important parts of your car. They help your wheels move up and down and turn left or right. They keep your driving smooth and safe.

Most ball joints last many years, but they can wear out faster if you drive on rough roads or carry heavy loads. If you hear strange noises, feel the car shaking, or notice uneven tire wear, it may be time to check your ball joints.

Do not wait too long. Fixing ball joints early can save your tires, steering, and your safety. It also helps your car last longer. Always check your car, and drive safely every day.