Sunday, April 6, 2014
What Is a Rear Ball Joint
A ball joint links the console arms of the front and rear suspensions to the wheel hub assemblies of your vehicle. In some vehicles, the ball joints connect all components of the suspension.
Significance
Rear ball joints are sometimes used in vehicles that are front-wheel drive and have independent suspensions. In some newer vehicles, the rear suspension is assembled with ball joints to link all parts of the suspension together.
Function
The ball-and-socket design of the ball joint provides swivel room for the knuckles of the joint as the wheels of the vehicle are steered. It also allows the suspension to handle changes in the road as the vehicle is moving.
Considerations
If there is a problem with the ball joint, you might hear a knocking noise when your vehicle goes over small bumps in the road. Erratic steering and wandering are also indicators of problems with the ball joint.
