Suspension Ball Joints

When you hear the words "ball joint," does it have a certain resemblance to tennis elbow? Most likely not, but if you are referring to a type of joint used in a golf shop to attach the head stock to the handle bars, you might be. Ball joints are also called axial or angle joints. Types of Ball Joints An axial joint consists of a housing, ball joints, bearings, side cover and a spring or other ending piece. An axial joint is fastened to the handle bars by riveting or pressing the joint to the bar. This type of joint has been used as a shaft joint for golf shafts.

A spherical joint has the characteristics of an axial ball joint. It is usually reinforced steel. The ends of a sphere are notched to fit against each other. The term "spherical" describes the shape because the material, ball and edges all have the same rounded shape.

The two types of ball joints used on golf vehicles are sealed ball joints and non-sealed ball joints. Sealed ball joints contain several metal plates that are sealed at the factory. They are then installed by welding or fastening them to the frame. Non-sealed ball joints use ball seals, which are installed inside the frame. These are then welded or soldered to the frame to form a sturdy joint.

Ball joints were first used on vehicles with the purpose of securing the axle to the frame, as in the case of the transfer case, or axial joint. With the advent of mass production, these joints are found on most passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks, snowmobiles, golf carts, and CNG vans. Typically, the design of sealed ball joints has three layers:

The most common design for ball joints uses three balls that are interconnected using a pin. This design allows the vehicle's suspension to be adjusted. As an axial joint has ball joints at the axle, drive train components can be removed and replaced, thus improving the suspension geometry. Some vehicles, such as CVT and Grand Marquis, have a single ball joint instead of the typical three.

Most steering parts, such as the steering knuckle, are made from stamped metal. Often, these components are precision-cut to match the specifications of the control arms. As a result, the knuckle might need to be replaced because they become worn over time. Replacement of the steering knuckle is usually part of the suspension system rebuild.

If a ball joint fails, the drive link arm, or flange, could also become worn. If this occurs, the control arms cannot properly lift and lower the vehicle, and the steering system will become susceptible to damage from rubbing. Other things that could cause a ball joint failure are excessive slippage, and excessive wear and tear on the suspension arms.

The strut suspension uses ball joints in the lower control arm to connect it to the lower control arm, or the strut brace. The strut brace has two different connection points: one connection point to the lower control arm, and another connection point to the lower control arm pivot. If either connection point wears out, the steering angle can be affected. Some vehicles use strut suspensions with a single ball joint, while other vehicles use dual strut suspensions.

A ball joint serves to stabilize the control arms and the steering axis. When a ball joint fails, the ball moves off to the left, or to the right, depending upon how it was installed. The stability of the steering axis depends on the stability of the ball joints. In some cases, the ball joint may fail due to improper installation. Improper installation of ball joints often results in the ball being vented too far to the right or left.

A ball joint is typically found at the front end of the suspension. Sometimes, a ball joint is found between the lower control arm pivot point and the control arm. A ball joint can often be seen at the rear side of the suspension. Usually, the ball joints used in passenger vehicles are referred to as knee guides.

Ball joints come in many different shapes, sizes, and compositions. Common materials for universal joints include steel, stamped steel, and aluminum, as well as various plastics such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, and thermoplastic. There are even some high-tech fabrics available that are capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, providing very good suspension quality.