What are the two types of ball joints?
There are two kinds of ball joints. Ball joints are classified as either load-carrying or follower types, and their position in the suspension varies depending on the suspension design. Load-carrying ball joints are designed to support the weight of the vehicle while providing a pivot point for the steering system.
How are automotive ball joints made?
The manufacturing process of a ball joint is called the caulking process. A caulking machine, as shown in Figure 4, is used to assemble the parts of a ball joint. The parts of the socket, bearing, plug, and ball stud are sequentially positioned in the caulking machine. The lower part of the socket is fixed to a jig.
What are automotive ball joints?
Ball joints consist of a ball and socket similar to the hip joint of the human body. Ball joints of your front suspension provide pivoting movement between the steering knuckles and control arms to provide a safe, smooth ride and allow you to precisely control your vehicle.
What are the three types of ball joints?
There are the upper/ lower ball joints, loaded/follower ball joints as well as the sealed and greasable or serviceable types. We will look at all those to offer you an all-round knowledge about these vital vehicle components. Let us start by examining the different parts, both internal and external.
How many ball joints are on a car?
Ball joints are the ball and socket joints that hold your control arms to your spindles. Ball joints are most commonly found in the lower arms of front suspensions, depending on your vehicle you may have four ball joints on your front suspension and some ball joints in the rear of your vehicle.
How long do ball joints last?
70,000 miles
While ball joints may last 70,000 miles or more, they don’t last forever. Their actual lifespan will depend on your driving habits, road conditions and exposure to road splash and salt.
What happens if ball joint fails?
A broken ball joint may be the cause of a mysterious clunking noise or drifting steering. And once they’re worn, they will seriously affect your steering and suspension. If a ball joint fails completely, it can even result in the wheel dramatically falling off the car.