Ball Joint Replacement
Also called ball joint knocking
A ball joint is a ball and socket pivot that lets the wheel steer and move up and down at the same time. Its grease boot splits, dust and water get in, and the joint develops play that you hear as a knock and feel as loose steering. A badly worn ball joint can separate, which drops the wheel out of position, so this is safety work rather than something to postpone. Alignment follows the repair.
Signs you need this
- Knock from one front corner over bumps
- Steering feels loose or wanders at speed
- Creaking sound when turning at low speed or parking
- Torn rubber boot with grease thrown around the joint
- Uneven tyre wear on the inner or outer edge
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
What the job includes
- Play test at each joint with the wheel raised and levered
- Boot condition inspection on every joint
- Ball joint or complete arm replacement as the design requires
- Correct separation of the joint without damaging the hub
- Castle nut and split pin or new fastener as specified
- Wheel alignment after fitting
How we do it
Test for play
With the wheel off the ground, the joint is levered and rocked to measure movement against the allowed limit.
Separate the joint
The joint is parted from the hub with the correct tool so the hub and boot are not damaged.
Fit the new joint
The replacement joint or arm is fitted with new fasteners and tightened to the specified torque.
Align and road test
Wheel alignment is reset and the car is driven to confirm the knock and steering looseness have gone.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book ball joint replacement
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
You send this
Takes a minute. No payment, no obligation.
We call you
To confirm the car, the time and the location.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.