Are ball joints the same as wheel bearings?
Wheel bearings and ball joints are both parts of cars. The wheel bearing is the component in the middle of the wheel around which the wheel turns as the car moves, while the ball joint is the connection between the wheel and the suspension.
Can bad ball joints cause wheel bearing failure?
A totally WORN OUT ball joint could destroy your wheel bearing, though, so it would be best to have this looked at. It sounds like the front wheel bearing was not properly seated when it was replaced and has worn out because of it. It could also be something has come loose under there and is rubbing on your tire.
Do I need to replace my ball joints?
Ball joints need to be periodically inspected and replaced if worn. We have seen them last for over 160K miles, but potholes, speed bumps and road salt in winter months take their toll. If not caught in time, a badly worn ball joint can even separate while driving. If it separates, a vehicle will lose control.
What kind of noise does a bad ball joint make?
Noise – this can be a clunking or squeaking noise. Clunking noises are caused by the worn ball joints rattling as the suspension travels up and down over the road. The squeaking noise is caused by the rubber boot that protects the grease inside the ball joint is damaged, the ball joint will start to squeak.
How can I tell if my car has wheel bearing or ball joint?
The affirmative diagnostic drill is simple enough. If you have wheel play and can’t determine if it’s wheel bearing or ball joint just get someone to step on the brakes or use a pedal pusher. If the wheel play disappears with the brakes on, it’s wheel bearing.
What are the warning signs of a bad wheel bearing?
Pay attention to some of the key warning signs of a bad wheel bearing. Ball bearings are the most common type of wheel bearings used today (along with roller bearings—though the latter don’t have the versatility of the ball ones).
How can you tell if a ball joint is worn out?
Experienced mechanics will also just check play by the feel, listening closely for any clicking or easy motion that suggests the ball joint is worn out. Alternatively, you could have a helper look closely at the joint itself to see if it appears loose as you move it. Look for the grease fitting.
Can a loose wheel bearing be a loose ball joint?
No way. It is possible to confuse a loose wheel bearing with a loose ball joint but an experienced tech should not do this. An inexperienced or careless tech might but considering “Stirephone’s” history I would think you were the victim of upselling more than anything else. andrew_j July 5, 2016, 9:11pm #8