How Much Does A Ball Joint Replacement Cost in the UK?

Part of the front suspension system of a car, the ball joint is a spherical bearing that connects the wheel hub to the control arm. The ball joint allows the suspension to move up and down, as well as swivel side to side. Over time, the ball joint can become worn, causing the suspension to become loose. When this happens, the ball joint needs to be replaced.

How much does it cost to replace a ball joint?

The average cost of replacing a car ball joint is £90, with prices ranging from £60 to £150. If your vehicle requires both ball joints to be replaced or associated steering parts need to be repaired then the cost will increase accordingly. While the cost of the part may not be expensive, the labour work involved is extensive due to the numerous car parts such as the wheel assembly that need to be removed in order to access the ball joint. The exact price of the ball joint replacement depends largely on your car and the parts your car's manufacturer recommends.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a ball joint replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a ball joint replacement.

Average cost of a ball joint replacement by location

Furthermore, the type of ball joint installed in the car, i.e. loaded or unloaded, will also determine the price of the repair and replacement. On some cars the ball joint is built into the suspension arm and cannot be replaced separately

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for a ball joint replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for ball joint repairs and replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a ball joint replacement for your car.

Average cost of a ball joint replacement by manufacturer

Signs your ball joint needs to be replaced

• Squeaking noise when turning
• Excessive play on front wheels
• Vibrating steering wheel
• Uneven tyre wear
• Reduced handling
• Steering wheel if not in the centre or is “loose”
• Clunking noises
  
  

Vibration from the steering wheel

It is critical for ball joints to fit perfectly and tightly within each other, so that there is no play within the joint. If there is any looseness, then the joint inside your steering knuckle will vibrate as your car drives and you will feel this vibration in your steering wheel. It’s recommended that you get it checked and replaced if needed.

Uneven tyre wear

If you notice uneven wear, mostly on the front tyres, it could be an indication of a worn-out ball joint. The faulty ball joint might be preventing that tyre from moving or turning as it should be.

Excessive play of front wheels

If your ball joints are functioning properly, your steering should feel tight and respond immediately to small adjustments on the wheel. As ball joints wear out over time, the steering can feel a bit sloppy and will feel excessively loose on the wheel making it difficult to control the vehicle.

Clicking or squeaking noise when turning

While a squeaking or clicking sound from the front can point to a number of different issues, one of them could be due to worn-out ball joints. Dirt, grime, or other debris inside the ball joints may cause a squeaking noise.

Frequently asked questions about ball joint replacement cost

What happens if a ball joint goes out while driving?

If a ball joint fails while driving, it will cause problems with the suspension and affect your steering. The steering will feel loose and difficult to control and can be accompanied by a clunking or rattling sound from the suspension. In extreme cases, it can even cause the suspension system to completely give way which can cause a serious accident. If you notice these signs while driving, it is best to pull over when it is safe to do so and seek professional help before attempting to get back on the road.

How much does it cost to replace all 4 ball joints?

Replacing one ball joint costs an average £90 and is generally more cost-effective to replace them in pairs. You can expect 4 ball joint replacements to cost in the range of £250 to £700 depending on the make and model of the car as well as the cost of associated parts such as the control arm.

Should I replace the upper and lower ball joints at the same time?

While not necessary, it is highly recommended to change all ball joints, or the very least in pairs, as if one ball joint fails, it is quite likely that the others will have suffered some wear and tear too.

Are ball joints hard to replace?

It can be difficult to replace ball joints depending on the vehicle. Ball joints can be tricky to get access to especially on older cars due to rust. In order to reach the ball joint, the mechanic needs to use special tools and remove several parts and reassemble them back together to complete the ball joint replacement job.

How long does a ball joint replacement take?

A ball joint replacement typically takes 1 hour, but can take up to 4 hours. Ultimately, the time that the job will take depends on a range of factors. For example, your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Can I carry out a ball joint replacement myself?

Replacing a suspension lower arm requires expert mechanic skills and knowledge and the car to be lifted up. Additionally, the job needs special tools and equipment such as jack stands, a hydraulic jack, a ball joint press tool, a torque wrench, a spring compressor, etc.
Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a ball joint replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

What else could be the problem if my ball joint isn’t broken?

It could be one or more of the following issues:

• Ball joint bushing - if it’s not the actual ball joint that is faulty then it’s likely the bushing which is worn out
• Power steering - vehicle handling can be affected by a power steering issue
• Suspension issues - if there is a sound when turning then it is likely one of the suspension components that is damaged such as coil springs, shock absorbers, etc. A closer inspection by a mechanic will be needed to examine the problem
• Wheels - wheels bearings or improper wheel alignment can also cause issues with the overall handling of the car

What happens during a ball joint replacement?

• The mechanic will jack the car safely and remove the wheels.
• The mechanic will inspect the ball joints.
• If necessary the mechanic will replace the faulty ball joint.
• The mechanic will advise if other components need to be replaced.
• The mechanic will re-align the wheels.
• The mechanic will re-check the suspension and test drive the car.
• If necessary, the mechanic will make adjustments.