Often less considered than other car parts such as the cylinder head gasket or brake pads, the
steering ball joint
plays an equally important role in your safety on the road. As its name suggests, the steering ball joint is a mechanical part that helps maintain the trajectory of your vehicle on the road (the direction taken by your car). On a technical level, the steering ball joint acts as the link between the rack, the steering rods and the wheel. Associated with the suspension ball joints, the main function of the steering ball joints is to transmit to the wheels the actions performed at the level of the vehicle's steering.
Designed to last tens of thousands of kilometers, steering ball joints are rarely changed by vehicle owners.
On vehicles with high mileage, however, replacing the steering ball joints may be essential to maintain control of the vehicle, especially when cornering.
With Le Parisien Guide Shopping, a few clicks will be enough for you to buy online a steering ball joint adapted to the model of your vehicle.
From your living room, dining room or bedroom, take the time to compare the different models and select the one that best suits your needs.
Our selection :
Tie rod end JTE161 TRW
Tie rod end 10659 Febi Bilstein
Tie rod end JTE458 TRW
Tie rod end Ferodo Moog RE-ES-0672
MAPCO 49135 Tie Rod End
How does the steering ball joint work?
The comparison to the kneecap on your knee might be a little preposterous, and yet. In the same way that a knee cap plays a role in the movement of the knee, the steering ball joint on a car plays a role in the movement of the wheels. More concretely, the steering ball joint is similar to a joint which connects the steering rack to the knuckle holder. When you perform an action on the steering wheel of your vehicle to turn the wheels, it is first the steering shaft that is requested. In contact with the steering rack, this makes it possible to trigger the actuation of the steering rods and ball joints to finally achieve the movement of the wheels. Without steering ball joint,impossible to maneuver the wheels correctly and therefore to maintain a good trajectory of the vehicle on the road.
How do I know if a steering ball joint is out of order?
Symptoms to be aware of
As with most auto mechanical parts, there are a few symptoms that identify when the steering ball joint needs to be replaced.
This is particularly the case if you notice:
a loss of steering efficiency of your vehicle, which often results in the impression that the vehicle is pulling right or pulling left when cornering or in a straight line;
a loss of precision in the movements of your vehicle (you have difficulty maintaining a stable trajectory with your car);
premature wear of your tires: with an HS or damaged steering ball joint, the tires deteriorate more quickly;
greater difficulty in parallel parking maneuvers;
vibrations in the steering wheel, especially when you decide to turn it.
As soon as one or more of these symptoms appears, it is recommended to make an appointment with your garage to check the wear of the steering ball joint.
Detecting the wear of a steering ball joint
Do you have any doubts about the wear and tear of your car's steering ball joint and do not want to make an appointment with the mechanic for the time being?
Be aware that there is a fairly easy way to check the general condition of the steering ball joint.
All you need to do is place your car on a conventional hydraulic or manual jack, put down one of the front wheels and steer the steering wheel firmly.
If, by shaking the hub carrier a little, you detect abnormal movement, this is a sign of wear on the steering ball joint that you will need to replace.
What is the risk of driving with an HS steering ball joint?
An HS steering ball joint that is no longer able to fulfill its mission exposes you to a loss of road holding of your vehicle.
By driving with a defective steering ball joint, you therefore run the risk of not fully controlling the trajectory of your vehicle, with the consequences that you imagine for your safety and that of other motorists.
From a more pragmatic point of view, a vehicle with an HS steering ball joint will not pass technical control.
How often should a steering ball joint be changed?
How to choose a steering ball joint and how often?
This is a question that comes up very often, and not just for the steering ball joint. Most motorists are always worried about how often they will need to change brake pads, parking light bulbs, etc. On average, a steering ball joint has a lifespan of around 100,000 kilometers. In other words, replacing a steering ball joint is a rather rare intervention, especially if you are used to regularly changing vehicles for a new model. When purchasing a used vehicle with a mileage close to 100,000 km, it may be a good idea to ask the seller if the steering ball joint has recently been changed. Note that theWear of the steering ball joint may be more or less premature depending on your driving style (driving in an urban environment vs. driving on the motorway).
As with many auto parts, the tie rod end should be matched to the make and model of your vehicle.
Before buying a steering ball joint online or in a physical store, be sure to check its compatibility with your car.
How to change a steering ball joint on a car?
Changing a steering ball joint on a car is a fairly complex operation which requires a certain know-how and various steps such as disassembling the wheel, removing the worn steering ball joint, fitting the new ball joint. steering, without forgetting to check the parallelism of your car.
Unless you have the necessary skills in auto repair (and the appropriate tools), it is better to entrust this mission to a professional.
Most professional mechanics offer complete packages for changing a steering ball joint in the state of the art, and with a whole host of controls to ensure your safety.
How much does a steering ball joint change cost?
With our selection of steering ball joints available at the best price via the links offered above, the purchase of a steering ball joint will cost you on average between € 5 and € 20.
If you decide to replace your vehicle's steering ball joint yourself, this will be the only expense for you.
If you prefer to take your car to a mechanic, you will need to add the cost of labor.
On average, a fixed price for the replacement of a steering ball joint is around 50 €.
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