Ball JointReplacement

Ball joint replacement at PRO SERVICE (Batumi, Airport Highway 212): we check for play and replace the ball joint on its own or together with the control arm, depending on the design. Labor from … GEL per joint, takes 1-2 hours. After replacement we do a wheel alignment.

Why not to put it off

The ball joint is the pivot the wheel hangs and steers on. If a badly worn stud pulls out of the housing, the wheel folds under and the car loses steering. That is why we always treat ball joint play as urgent.

Signs of wear

• A dull knock from the front over bumps at low speed.
• Creaking when turning the wheel and over potholes — often a joint that lost its grease after the boot tore.
• The car wanders and needs constant small corrections.
• Uneven wear on the edges of the front tires.
• On inspection: play when rocking the wheel or levering with a pry bar, a torn boot, grease gone.

A torn boot is an early warning: water and sand get in and the joint wears fast. In a damp climate this is especially noticeable.

Separately or with the arm

• Bolted or pressed-in replaceable ball joint — we change only the joint, which is cheaper.
• Ball joint integrated into the arm — on many cars it is not sold separately, so the complete arm is replaced. The bushings get renewed at the same time.
• Repair kits for non-serviceable arms exist — their reliability varies, we will discuss it for your car.

How we do it

1. Checking play on the lift, ruling out the tie rod end and the wheel bearing — their play feels similar.
2. Separating the ball joint from the steering knuckle with a puller, without hammering on neighboring boots.
3. Fitting the new joint (or arm), torquing the nuts to the manufacturer's spec, cotter pin where provided.
4. Wheel alignment — wheel angles change after a ball joint or arm replacement.

Price