ArticlesReader.com Menu
Newest Articles
Most Viewed Articles
ArticlesReader.com RSS
Submit Article
Login
Signup
Search the articles

Articles Main Categories
Advice
Animals
Automobiles
Business
Career
Communications
Computer Programming
Computers
Entertainment
Environment
Family
Fashion
Finance
Food
Health & Medical
Home & Garden
Humor
Internet Business
Internet Marketing
Legal
Leisure & Recreation
Marketing
Other
Politics
Reference & Education
Religion
Self Improvement
Sports
Technology & Science
Travel
Writing
Subscribe
Receive alert message from us when new articles submitted to our site for free.

Enter your name

Enter your email

Syndicate

















Related Products
Home::Marilyn Pokorney

Ball Joints and Your Car's Suspension System

Author : Matthew C. Keegan
An important part of your car’s suspension system is its ball joints. Made of extra tough steel, ball joints act as the pivot point between two parts: the suspension and your car’s tires. Ball joints help support your car’s weight and, as is the case with some vehicles, ball joints may be used to help set the alignment. Let’s take a closer look at this key component of your car’s suspension system.



Enclosed in a steel housing, ball joints are used on the front end of almost every car, truck, SUV, and minivan. As might be expected, ball joints are subject to a lot of wear and tear, so to properly protect them ball joints are housed in an enclosed boot to keep dirt away from the joint assembly.



There are two types of suspension systems that use ball joints. The first is a conventional system that uses an upper and lower ball joint. The second is called a MacPherson strut system that uses a single lower ball joint and an upper strut bearing. No upper ball joint is needed as the upper strut bearing does the job instead.



Maintenance for ball joints has changed over the years for most cars. Many vehicles come equipped with ball joints that are permanently lubed, so lubrication is not necessary nor is it even possible as the pack that holds the lubrication is permanently sealed. When ball joints wear out or are damaged, you can find replacement ball joints that come with lubrication fittings; in this case you would need to lubricate your ball joints on a regular basis as in when you change your vehicle’s oil.



When performing an inspection of your car’s suspension, your ball joints should be looked at too. Have a complete wheel alignment performed and make certain that the ball joints are not worn. If the ball joints wear out and are not changed, you will soon experience uneven tire wear or unreliable steering, such as wandering. Clearly, worn out ball joints are a safety issue that must be tended to and fixed immediately.



Ball joints are developed for the specific make/model of your vehicle. Many models share the same suspension system as other models within the brand, but to be sure check your vehicle’s repair manual for the right replacement ball joints. Certain manufacturers, such as Moog, develop ball joints for many makes/models and can be used by mechanics that prefer this particular product. Check online to find out more information about Moog ball joints and whether they are right for your car.



Remember: ball joints are an important part of your vehicle’s suspension system. Annual check ups of the suspension can head off costly problems which can also impact your safety.


Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com





Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is a freelance writer covering important automotive topics and products including, ball joints such as Moog ball joints and Ford ball joints.





Spam emails More free articles

Related articles


  1. How to Summer-ize Your Car
  2. Honda Civic 2005 (Special Edition): The Weekly Driver Review
  3. Railroad Crossings Kill Thousands Each Year
  4. Know Your Automotive Waxes
  5. Synthetic Lubricants Mean Less Dependence on Foreign Oil Consumption
  6. 3 Fast Tips on How To Sell Your Car for the Most
  7. 8 GM Brands: 1 or 2 Too Many?
  8. Ball Joints and Your Car's Suspension System
  9. Before the Mazda 6
  10. Top 10 Buying Tips For Buying A Car
  11. The Contour Years
  12. Chevy Camaro: Build It and We Will Buy It!
  13. Antique Car Parts
  14. Sharpness of the Acura TL
  15. Upholding Volvo Standards
  16. A Luxurious Drive
  17. Style over Power
  18. How to Choose Rims for Your Vehicle
  19. Buying An Automotive Extended Service Contract
  20. Honda Accord Coupe 2005: The Weekly Driver Review
  21. Before You Purchase A New Car Watch Out For These Scams!
  22. The Whiplash Injury As Of Early 2005
  23. How NOT To Buy A Land-Rover: For Men Only
  24. Stop Wasting Money When You Fill Your Car Up With Gas – Part 2
  25. Stop Wasting Money When You Fill Your Car Up With Gas – Part 1
More related feeds
Gordon Murray - Reflections on the Acura NSX | CarZi
The inspiration obtained from this NSX suspension system would later influence the development of the McLaren F1’s suspension. The NSX was also the first car to use DBW (Drive By Wire). It felt very pleasing. ...

occasional clunk from rear suspension - Benzworld.org - Mercedes ...
122K miles and the front has been been gone through with shocks, control arm bushings, ball joints, so other than this the ride is fantastic. Also recently put Michellen Primacy tires on, absolutely silent tire, amazing. ...

911uk.com - Porsche UK Enthusiast Site :: View topic - Suspension ...
There's a ball joint bolted to the end of the control arm. I suppose the ball joint could be unbolted and not split from the upright but I would just as soon replace everything while I'm there. ...

Ball Joints and Your Car’s Suspension System
An important part of your car’s suspension system is its ball joints. Made of extra tough steel, ball joints act as the pivot point between two parts: the suspension and your car’s tires. Ball joints help support your car’s weight and, ...

In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP - Autoblog
The suspension employs a MacPherson strut design in the front and a four-link, coil-over-shock design in the rear. A direct-acting front stabilizer bar, decoupled rear stabilizer bar and lateral ball joints on the rear suspension ...

Ford Escort Owners Association
Don't know much about these cars. Most reviews on other sites are good of course with the odd negative. Clutch, timing belt done about a year ago. car drives good...lots of power...may need ball joints. What should I look out for. ...

Upper ball joint R&R - Diesel Forum - The Diesel Stop.com
Sorry about your job man, I don't know what the solution is for the economic troubles....I am sore however that uncles same needs to stay the heck out of it though, but thats another thread...On the ball joint note though, ...

food grade hydrogen peroxide: [Article-Distribution.com ...
A ball joint is an important component of your car's suspension, located on the front end of the vehicle. Ball joints will wear out over time and cause handling problems as they continue to deteriorate. It is important that you have ...

Renewed Performance Through BMW Parts - Artipot
Adding the performance parts in braking system, suspension system and the engine of BMW can enhance the handling ability, power, fuel efficiency and comfort ness of your BMW. Not adding any performance parts to your BMW is something ...

RCD lift problems. - Tundra Solutions Forum
They got you the late model kit and you have the earlier smaller ball joints. What's the production date of the truck and which RCD kit did they order you?? I see it is AUG, but what date? PM me your VIN and I can check it for you and ...

 


 

© 2007 articlesreader.com - All Rights Reserved