What is upper and lower ball joints?

The ball joint is a pivot between the wheels and the suspension of your vehicle. In the front suspension, on most vehicles, there are upper and lower ball joints on both sides. The low ball joints are usually bigger and wear out faster due to the front weight of the vehicle that rests on them.Click to see full answer. Also know, what are the signs of a bad ball joint? Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Ball Joint (Front) Clunking noises coming from the front suspension. One of the most common symptoms of a problem with suspension ball joints is clunking noises coming from the vehicle’s front suspension. Excessive vibration from the front of the vehicle. Steering wandering to the left or right. One may also ask, what does the lower ball joint do? Ball joints are made of a bearing stud and socket that fit snugly inside a lubricated casing. They connect the control arm to the steering knuckles and allow for smooth and solid movement in the suspension. The front suspension of most cars has at least lower ball joints and in some cases upper ones as well. Also, can you drive a car with a bad ball joint? By far the worst that can happen, when driving on a bad ball joint, is breakage. The ball joint can break in two ways: the ball detaching from the socket and stud breakage. No matter the form of breakage, the end result is catastrophic. When the ball joint completely breaks, the wheel is free to move in any direction.How much does it cost to replace lower ball joints?For replacing the lower ball joint, you will pay about $250, on average. The labor ranges from $225 to $285, and the parts can cost you anywhere from $90 to $120.