May 14, 2023
We all have joints in our own skeletal system, but did you know your vehicle has some joints of its own? One of the most important is called a ball joint.
One of the interesting things is that it's somewhat similar to the ball and socket joints we have in our hips and shoulders. A ball joint allows two parts it joins together to move in more than one direction at the same time.
Think about your wheels. They have to move up and down when there are bumps in the road but in sideways directions when you are making a turn. As you can see, the ball joints are important for your steering and handling to work correctly.
Since ball joints do so much, they can wear out and become loose. When the ball wears down or the socket gets worn, there can be too much play in them. It can get so bad that the ball can come out of the socket and your wheel can fall off, a dangerous situation. Ball joints can also seize up. Some of them are sealed and never require maintenance; others require periodic lubrication.
Here are some signs that your ball joints are going bad:
The earlier a failing ball joint is discovered, the better. The best way is to have regular inspections by a technician. Your service facility will periodically check ball joints at intervals recommended by the manufacturer. The cost to replace them can vary widely depending on whether you have a vehicle with a 2-ball or 4-ball configuration. Also, sometimes just the joints can be replaced, but other times they are part of a larger control arm assembly that has to have all the parts replaced at the same time.
Your vehicle's proper steering, handling and tire wear all contribute to a better, safer driving experience. Make sure your ball joints are up to the job.
Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Lincoln
1525 Pine Lake Rd
Lincoln, Nebraska 68512
402-421-1900
http://www.tuffylincoln.com
November 17, 2024
You've likely heard how important oil is to your vehicle's engine. Did you know that there's one part that's responsible for holding that oil so you can use it every day? It's called the oil pan, and it sits at the bottom of the engine. The oil pan is a vital, though simple, part of your engine's... More
November 10, 2024
If you have a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you probably never think about gear shifting. When motor vehicles were invented, all of them had to be shifted manually. But that wonderful self-shifting transmission, referred to these days as simply an automatic, changed everything. Automa... More
November 3, 2024
Youve probably already heard that regular oil changes are extremely important for the health of your vehicles engine. Thats sound advice. But what you might not know is when it comes to motor oil, the real thing may not be the best thing for your engine. There are different types of motor oil: ... More