1. Connection and Movement Points
Ball Joints
Connection and Movement Points

2. Ball Joints Connections that allow rotation and angular movement
Filled with grease for lubrication
A grease fitting may be provided
A grease seal holds grease in and prevents water and contaminant entry

3. Inside a Ball Joint

4. Directional Ball Joints
Some ball joints must be installed a certain way
Elliptical stud housings
Incorrect replacement causes failure

5. Elliptical Housing

6. Short-Long Arm Suspension

7. Compression or Tension Load

8. Load Carrying - SLA

9. Checking for Wear

10. Check Movement Specs

11. Non-Load Carrying - Strut

12. Checking for Wear

13. Load Carrying – Modified Strut

14. Load Carrying - Multilink

15. Wear Indicating Ball Joints
Used on some GM and Ford trucks
Check position of wear indicator at the grease fitting
Video

16. Bad Joint – Bad Video

17. Found on the road…