What is a non load-carrying ball joint?
The non-load-bearing or “follower” ball joint is located on the control arm that holds the wheel in correct alignment. The major difference between the two is that the load-bearing ball joint is not preloaded while the follower joint is preloaded.
Are all ball joints loaded?
Ball joints are classified as either “load-carrying” or “follower” types, and their position in the suspension varies depending on the suspension design. The lower ball joint is the load-carrying joint in this type of suspension, while the upper ball joint is the “follower,” with no significant load to support.
Can a non load bearing ball joint be preloaded?
Wear in a non-load-bearing ball joint will cause a noticeable change in the camber, caster or toe angle of a front suspension. Consequently, non-load-bearing joints are preloaded in order to compensate for wear. Unloaded control arm ball joints should be tested for preload when the suspension system is disassembled.
Is the lower ball joint a follower joint?
The other ball joint is considered the follower ball joint. The lower ball joint on a vehicle with MacPherson struts is a follower joint. Because load-bearing ball joints carry vehicle weight, they usually wear first. If the coil spring is seated between the frame and the lower control arm, the lower ball joint is the load-carrying joint.
What are the ball joints on a truck?
Conventional SLA suspension systems found on trucks and many rear-wheel-drive vehicles contain two ball joints; an upper and a lower. The vehicle’s weight transfers through the load-bearing ball joint. The other ball joint is considered the follower ball joint. The lower ball joint on a vehicle with MacPherson struts is a follower joint.
Why does the lower ball joint wear first?
Because load-bearing ball joints carry vehicle weight, they usually wear first. If the coil spring is seated between the frame and the lower control arm, the lower ball joint is the load-carrying joint.
How do you replace ball joints?
How to Change a Ball Joint in a Car Step 1 – Lift Car Step 2 – Remove the Caliper on the Brakes Step 3 – Remove the Brake Discs Step 4 – Remove Ball Joint Nuts Step 5 – Separate Ball Joint from Hub Carrier Step 6 – Remove Ball Joint Step 7 – Grease New Ball Joint Step 8 – Add New Ball Joint In Step 9 – Take Car Down
What are upper and lower ball joints?
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.
What is upper control arm ball joint?
The upper control arm and ball joint are located under the front of the vehicle and are an integral part of the steering and suspension system. If these are loose or broken, they should be replaced immediately, as the handling of the vehicle can be severely affected.
What is a ball joint?
A ball joint is a style of pivot joint that gives relative freedom of movement to a connected object. These joints typically consist of two parts, the ball and the case, but some ball joints use a connective piece that links the two parts together.