Quick answer
Ball joints are the pivots that connect your front wheels to the suspension and let them steer and move over bumps. Wenzel's Automotive in Winthrop Harbor inspects and replaces worn ball joints on cars, SUVs and light trucks, then checks the alignment so the tires wear evenly. Call (847) 872-1111.
What is included
- Ball joint inspection with the wheel off the ground
- Upper and lower ball joint replacement
- Control arm replacement when the joint is built into the arm
- Boot and grease fitting checks
- Alignment check after the repair
Signs you need it
- Clunking or knocking from the front end over bumps
- Steering that feels loose or wanders
- Uneven wear on the inside or outside edge of the front tires
- Squeaking when turning or rolling over dips
- Vibration coming from the front end
Why worn ball joints matter
A ball joint carries the weight of the car and the force of every bump. As it wears, the play in the joint grows and the wheel starts to move out of position. A joint that separates can take away steering control, so catching the wear early keeps the repair simple and the car safe.
Joint or whole control arm
On some vehicles the ball joint is pressed or bolted into the control arm and is replaced by itself. On others it is part of the arm, and the arm is replaced as a unit. We look up how your vehicle is built and explain the options before the work starts.
How a visit works
- Call or request a time. Tell us what the car is doing.
- Inspection. We check the system and the parts around it.
- Estimate and approval. We explain what we found and what it costs before any work.
- Repair and road test. Then we walk you through what was done.
Drivers come to us for ball joint replacement from Winthrop Harbor · Zion · Pleasant Prairie · Beach Park · Russell · Wadsworth · Kenosha · Waukegan · North Chicago · Gurnee · Park City · Old Mill Creek and 56 more towns.