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What in the world is a ball joint and why do I care ?

Ball joints are ball-and-socket joints in the front suspension that serve as the pivot points between the wheels and suspension of your vehicle. On each side, the lower ball joint is pressed into and rests in the lower control arm, while the upper ball joint rests in the upper control arm. Both control arms are hinged to enable the wheel to move vertically. While each ball joint supports a great deal of vehicle weight and works at steadying the wheel, the lower ball joint bears the majority of the vehicle’s weight. Consequently, the ball joints are far more likely to wear out. Excessive play in the lower ball joint leads the tire to recover sloppily from a minor jolt, this can be indicated by clunking and/or creaking noises, and odd or extreme tire wear on the front tires.

Vehicles with a MacPherson-strut suspension systems utilize a lower ball joint and an upper strut bearing instead of an upper ball joint. If you have noticed your vehicle wandering or erratic steering or odd tire wear, it could be due to worn ball joints. Ball joints along with other suspension components, should be inspected annually along with a complete wheel alignment. Let Finish Line inspect your vehicle to be sure you get the most out of your tires!  


Written on Sunday, November 29, 2015 by
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Finish Line Tire and Automotive

Need auto repair in Apple Valley? Tires in Victorville, CA? An oil change in Hesperia? High Desert region classic car repair? Finish Line Tire and Automotive can deliver it all. 

Finish Line Tire and Automotive offers auto repair, tires, car and truck accessories, and wheels to the greater Victorville, CA and High Desert region. In addition to offering a full suite of automotive repair and accessory services, Finish Line Tire and Automotive  also specializes in classic car repair for your vintage or collector's vehicle. When you need automotive services in the High Desert, Finish Line Tire and Automotive is the premier choice.

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