Repair 7

What Is a Ball Joint on a Truck

Made of steel, a ball joint acts as a pivot between a car or trucks suspension and its tires. Vehicle manufacturers developed them for specific models, so theyre not interchangeable.

Function

Ball joints support the weight of the truck and, in some cases, also help set its alignment. Located on the front end of the truck, a ball joint stays inside a steel casing to prevent dirt and water from reaching it.

Types

Some trucks contain an upper and lower ball joint. Others use a MacPherson strut system, which has a lower ball joint and an upper strut bearing. With this system, the upper strut bearing acts as the pivot, making an upper ball joint unnecessary.

Maintenance

When inspecting a trucks suspension, the owner or mechanic should also check the ball joints. If the truck doesnt have its original joints, they will require lubrication regularly, as the original seal is broken. Worn out joints can cause uneven wear on tires and steering problems.