How many of you are familiar with the term ball joints? Very less. Well, you have landed on the perfect article. Imagine while driving, you lose control of the vehicle, and it starts getting off the road. Scary, right? Ball joints are the important bearings that help keep the tires firm on the road and maintain vehicle control.
Now, you want more details, isn’t it? No worries, we will tell you what these joints are, how they function, their types, bad ball joint symptoms, and all the information related to ball joints. So, let’s begin!
What is the Ball Joints?
Ball joints are essential spherical bearings that are present in the front suspension of the car. They basically connect the control arms with steering knuckles. You can find these joints usually in most of the automobiles, where they act as a central point between wheels and the automobile’s suspension.
When you see them physically, you will find their resemblance with the ball and socket joints (elbow joint) present in mammals and other animals. Hence, they have the name ball joints.
This joint has two parts:
- Bearing stud
- Socket
Both of them are encapsulated in a steel covering that keeps the dirt and moisture away from them since these things can cause them to rust.
What Does a Ball Joint Do?
Think of this for a moment. What would have happen if you don’t have ball and socket joint in your elows and hips? You would never move your arms and legs in all directions and able to sit and stand.
The same is the case with automobile ball joints. They provide all-direction movement to your car. You can take your car on any surface, be it smooth, bumpy, over potholes, or any other uneven one. These ball joints act as suspension for your vehicle to provide up and down movement while making sure that the wheels can turn left and right too.
That is why they are in the front suspension assembly since it’s the part of the vehicle that enables it to take turns. There are two ball joints in the front suspension whereas you may might a ball joint in the rear suspension of your car too.
All in all, the ball joints are important bearings that keep the wheels firm and constant on the road and withstand any surface beneath while keeping the vehicle move left and right.
What are Some Different Types of Ball Joints?
So generally, you will find two types of ball joints: upper and lower and load bearing and non-load bearing (follower) joints. However, because of some design modifications, you can categorize these two into different further categories as well.
Each has a different purpose, but they work in sync to provide reliable support and steering capability.
| Type of Ball Joints | Description |
| Upper Ball Joints | They maintain alignment and tolerate radial load, i.e., turning forces. They have a follower design in strut suspension. Otherwise, they are load bearing and are attached to the upper control arm. Compared to lower joints, they carry less weight and are small in size. |
| Lower Ball Joints | These joints are the pivot point of the steering assembly. They are attached to the lower control arm. Unlike upper joints, they don’t carry any weight but tolerate the loading while braking and cornering. They can either be load bearing or follower type. |
| Load Bearing Ball Joints | The load bearing joints assist forces coming from the wheel’s upward and downward movement. |
| Follower Joints | This one doesn’t assist any forces coming from the wheel. |
| Sealed Ball Joints | There is no opening in sealed ball joints for grease application. Instead, they have a plastic insert that allows the sphere to move seamlessly. |
| Serviceable Ball Joints | If the ball joint is serviceable, it means there is an opening for grease application. |
| Unitized Ball Joints | These have a control arm within them. So, if the joint gets damaged, you need to replace the entire control arm assembly beside the ball joint. |
| Non-Unitized Ball Joints | They are opposite to the unitized ones. These are the ones that manufacturers mostly use in automobiles as they are easy to replace without the need to change the control arm assembly |
Are Ball Joints and Tie Rods the Same Thing?
Ball joints and tie rods are both parts of the suspension system. But what makes them different?
Well, both of these parts are part of the front suspension of the vehicle and the steering system situated between the front wheels. Basically, the steering system spreads across the entire length of the front wheels and connects both wheels. On the other hand, a suspension system is found individually on each front wheel.
Both of these systems are entirely different but work together to provide reliable steering while keeping the vehicle firm on the surface. So, there is no similarity between ball joints and tie rods. They are different from one another, but they are connected through a common mechanism known as a spindle.
The spindle is attached to each front wheel. At the top and bottom of this spindle is the ball joints attached, whereas the tie rod controls the central shaft (pivot) of the spindle and enables steering movement.
What are the Symptoms of a Bad Ball Joint?
Your car suspension ensures that your vehicle moves as smoothly as possible no matter the surface beneath. The ball joints perform this duty very amazingly inside the suspension. However, with more time and other technical faults, the ball joints wear and starts to deteriorate.
So, you need to replace them because it will have a negative impact on the vehicle and could be dangerous if ignored for a long time. But how to detect if they need replacement?
Below are the four major signs that may tell you its time to change the ball joints of your car:
1. Harsh Vibrations from Cabin
If you hear rattling coming from your cabin, it means the suspension is vibrating. It’s a sign of ball joint wear or indicates a loose joint. As you increase the speed of your car, it gets intense, and you can hear it properly. You may find similar vibrations from the suspension if there is some fault in other suspension parts. However, it’s more common for a ball joint to become faulty or wear off while you are driving. So, check that and get your ball joint replaced.
2. Clunking and Rattling Noise
Another indication is a clicking, clunking, or a rattling sound coming from the bottom of your car while driving. Most of the cases, it is a ball joint that’s faulty. This noise becomes louder when the surface you’re driving on is bumpy or jolty. With time, this becomes even louder since the ball joint gets loose even more and is getting damaged to a higher extent.
3. Uneven Front Tyre Wear
Since the ball joints are in the suspension assembly, when they get loose, they affect the alignment of the front wheels. This misalignment, with time, wears one tire more rapidly than the other. You can notice a clear uneven wear in one of the tires on the edges or see an uneven pattern of patches.
Don’t confuse it with both tires wearing. If both of them wear equally at the same time, it is an indication that there is something wrong with the tire pressure. Otherwise, if one of the tires is wearing off, you must check the ball joint and replace it.
4. Loose Steering
The ball joints ensure that your steering is smooth. But if they are loose or worn out, the entire steering experience of your car is affected. You may feel your vehicle wandering from the lane or disconnected steering inputs. If that’s the case, one of the reasons is that the ball joint in the suspension assembly needs to be checked. Other reasons for this could be a loose tie rod end or misalignment of the front tires.
Ball Joints Size Chart
| BYWB Part Number | All Balls Part Number | Fitment |
| 82-1009 | All balls 42-1009 | Honda TRX420 FA IRS 15-22, TRX420 FA Solid Axle 14-22, TRX420 FE 14-22, TRX420 FM 14-22 |
| 82-1015 | All balls 42-1015 | Ball Joint Kit – Lower Honda TRX420 FA IRS 15-22, TRX420 FA Solid Axle 14-22, TRX420 FE 14-22, TRX420 FM 14-22, TRX420 FPA Solid Axle 14, TRX420 TE 14-22 |
| 82-1026 | All balls 42-1026 | Suzuki LT-A400 2WD King Quad 08-09, LT-A400 Eiger 2wd 02-07, LT-A400F 4WD King Quad 08-22 |
| 82-1037 | All balls 42-1037 | Polaris Brutus HD,Hawkeye 300,Ranger 500 |
| 82-1026 | All balls 42-1026 | Suzuki Eiger 400,King Quad 400 |
| 82-1038 | All balls 42-1038 | Yamaha Grizzly 550,700 |
| 82-1042 | All balls 42-1042 | Can-Am Commander 1000 |
| 82-1043 | All balls 42-1043 | Yamaha Grizzly 660 |
| 82-1051 | All balls 42-1051 | Polaris RZR 4 XP 1000,RZR XP 4 1000 |
| 82-1031 | All balls 42-1031 | 2016 Polaris Phoenix 200 |
| 82-1033 | All balls 42-1033 | Kawasaki Brute Force 650 KVF650D 4×4 |
Rod Ends Size chart
| BYWB Part Number | All Balls Part Number | Fitment |
| 81-1050 | All balls 51-1050 | Polaris Scrambler XP 1000 |
| 81-1027 | All balls 51-1027 | Arctic Cat 1000 4×4 MudPro Limited |
| 81-1020 | All balls 51-1020 | Polaris 300,400L,Trail Blazer 250 |
| 81-1024 | All balls 51-1024 | Kawasaki KFX700 |
| 81-1031 | All balls 51-1031 | amaha Grizzly 450 YFM450FG 4×4 |
| 81-1029 | All balls 51-1029 | Suzuki King Quad 450 LTA450X 4×4 Axi |
| 51-1051 | All balls 51-1051 | polaris,outlaw 450,525,Sportsman XP 550,850 |
| 81-1053 | All balls 51-1053 | Honda Foreman 450 TRX450ES 4×4 ES |
| 81-1001 | All balls 51-1001 | Honda FourTrax 125 TRX125 2×4 |
| 81-1003 | All balls 51-1003 | Arctic Cat 50,90,honda FourTrax 350 |
| 81-1005 | All balls 51-1005 | Honda FourTrax 250 TRX250 2×4 |
| 81-1006 | All balls 51-1006 | Honda FourTrax 250 TRX250X 2×4 |
| 81-1007 | All balls 51-1007 | yamaha Bear Tracker 250,Big Bear 250 |
| 81-1009 | All balls 51-1009 | Outlander 330 |
| 81-1029 | All balls 51-1029 | Suzuki King Quad 450 LTA450X 4×4 Axi |
| 81-1030 | All balls 51-1030 | Polaris Ranger 400,500;Brutus HD;ACE 900 |
| 81-1033 | All balls 51-1033 | Polaris Hawkeye 300 2×4 |
| Tie Rod End Kit for Polaris Sportsman 500 4×4 6×6 EFI HO X2 4×4 6×6 1998 – 2012 | ||
| 81-1021 | All balls 51-1021 | Polaris ATP 330 4X4 |
| 81-1037 | All balls 51-1037 | yamaha,Rhino 450,660,700 |
| 81-1017 | All balls 51-1017 | Arctic Cat 1000,250,200 |
| 81-1051 | All balls 51-1051 | polaris,outlaw 450,525,Sportsman XP 550 |
| 81-1023 | All balls 51-1023 | Kawasaki Brute Force 650;Suzuki Twin Peaks 700 |
| 81-1029 | All balls 51-1029 | Suzuki King Quad 450 500 750 |
| 81-1008 | All balls 51-1008 | honda400,450 |
| 81-1021 | All balls 51-1021 | polaris ATP 330,500;Diesel 455;Big Boss 500;Magnum |
| 81-1014 | All balls 51-1014 | Kawasaki KFX80;Suzuki Eiger 400;Suzuki Quadracer 250 |
| 81-1052 | All balls 51-1052 | Arctic Cat 1000 4×4 MudPro Limited |
| 81-1053 | All balls 51-1053 | Honda Foreman 450 TRX450ES 4×4 ES |
Conclusion
Ball joints are bearings that are important for smooth driving of your vehicle. Without them your vehicle will have difficulty in turning and staying firmly on the road. They are part of the front suspension assembly, where they are either attached at the top or bottom of the spindle.
You can read about two sets of main types of ball joints. They are upper and lower ball joints and load bearing and non-load bearing (follower) ball joints. However, we have discussed different types that originate from the basic two types. All of these types have different attributes and serve different purposes.
There are different ways to find out if your vehicle’s ball joint is faulty. For example, look for vibrations, rattling, and clucking noises from the suspension assembly.
You can contact BYWB Bearing for all your bearing concerns, including ball joints. We are one of the top bearing manufacturers in China and cater to your bearing needs 24/7. Contact us now!
