Ball Joints Service Video

Ball joints are the pivoting connections between your vehicle's control arms and the steering knuckles. They let the front wheels turn and travel up and down over the road while keeping the suspension geometry locked in place.

This video walks through where the upper and lower ball joints sit on the suspension and how the stud rides inside a greased socket. It also shows what a worn joint looks like once play develops. In normal driving, each joint absorbs steering input and road impact thousands of times a day without any noticeable movement.

Wear usually shows up as a clunk from the front end over bumps or uneven inside-edge tire wear. You may also feel loose steering as the vehicle tracks across the lane. In more advanced wear, you may see the boot torn open with grease slung around the wheel well.

A proper inspection lifts the suspension to unload the joint, then checks for vertical and lateral play, torn boots, and grease loss. When testing confirms a worn joint, our suspension, steering, and wheel services team handles the replacement and the follow-up alignment.

Ball joints take a real beating around Moses Lake, where road grit and freeze-thaw cycles tear the boots. Moisture then works into the socket and accelerates internal corrosion. Drivers from Ephrata and Quincy see this pattern often on higher-mileage trucks.

If you hear a front-end clunk or feel wandering steering, call Affordable Automotive Services at (509) 764-0000. You can also visit your trusted mechanic in Moses Lake, WA to book an inspection.