Losing your Jeep’s handling and ride quality can result from a bad ball joint. Then you might wonder how many ball joints a Jeep JK has and where are they located? Your Jeep has four ball joints, two upper and two lower ball joints for each front axle shaft.
Ball joints attach a control arm to the steering knuckle of your vehicle. They are a control arm attachment used on your vehicle to attach the control arm. It gives the Jeep more stability and lessens any irregular motion in the rotation of the wheels when driving.
If you start hearing clunking or popping forms under your car, it’s time to replace them with new parts. You should check out what other customers have to say about their own experience with the product before making your purchase.
Top 10 Best Ball Joints For Jeep JK
- Teraflex 3442002 Ball Joints For Jeep JK
- Moog K80026 Ball Joint
- Fits For 07-17 Jeep Wrangler Ball Joints
- Detroit Axle – New Front 4-Piece Upper & Lower Ball Joint Set
- Heavy Duty Ball Joint Press & U Joint Removal Tool Kit
- Astro Pneumatic Tool 7865 Ball Joint Service Tool
- Alloy USA 11800 Upper & Lower Ball Joint Kit
- PartsW 4 Pc Suspension Kit
- Dynatrac JP44-2X3050-C Pro Steer Ball Joints
- DV8 Offroad
It is a big issue for Jeep drivers since most don’t know how to choose the best ball joints. With this in mind, here are the ten best ball joints for jeep JK, which might come in handy if you want something reliable and sturdy.
1. Teraflex 3442002 Ball Joints For Jeep JK
The heavy-duty Teraflex 3442002 Ball Joints for Jeep JK are vital to supporting your tire-and-wheel combination. A set of TeraFlex HD Ball Joints can also be used to upgrade existing drag link, track bar, and radius arms on any JK Wrangler or Unlimited.
Teraflex 3442002 ball joints help to improve the on and off-road flexibility of your vehicle’s suspension system. They allow for maximum articulation of wheel movement vertically and laterally. It can give importance and necessity to control and secure your vehicle.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ball studs were heat-treated to 4140 chromo standards to increase their strength significantly. | Professional installation may be needed. |
| Ball joints from Teraflex are manufactured to meet or exceed OEM quality standards. | |
| Teraflex ball joints are precision machined from the best steel alloy, hardened, and precisely ground for extra strength and wear resistance. | |
| It includes grease fitting, bump stop, and boot/dust cover kit. | |
| Anti-corrosive undercoating reduces ball joint movement for longer life and tightness. | |
| Housing is made from special-treated carbon steel, retaining ring threaded to ensure safety. | |
| An effective corrosion-resistant material, magnesium phosphate coating, decreases friction. |
2. Moog K80026 Ball Joint
Moog K80026 Ball Joint is designed to suit a wide variety of vehicles. These ball joints come in many different shapes and sizes and characteristics that help define them better depending on their application.
Moog ball joints can be used in vehicles with standard or electronic power steering or when replacing tie rod ends. Their performance and durability make them an excellent replacement for worn, rusted, pitted, or sloppy ball joints.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Moog K80026 Ball Joints are a complete ball joint solution and include a functional OE-quality spindle. | None |
| Moog K80026 Ball Joint includes a new generation gusher bearing, unsurpassed quality. | |
| These joints come with a cover plate that prevents bearing from contaminants. | |
| Moog K80026 Ball Joints promote a component’s value, performance, and durability. | |
| With more responsive steering Moog K80026 Ball Joints will keep your vehicle straight. | |
| Moog K80026 Ball Joints solves problems faster and easier than any other ball joint. | |
| Moog K80026 Ball Joints have a lifetime warranty that reduces costs and enhances vehicle safety. |
3. Fits For 07-17 Jeep Wrangler Ball Joints
The frustration is worse when your mechanic says the replacement parts will cost a fortune. Fits For 07-17 Jeep Wrangler Ball Joints are designed to fit perfectly into your vehicle’s OE requirements at a low cost.
It is crafted down to the last millimeter to ensure a close-to-factory fit. It is easy to install and will seldom require any additional guidance. It is the best replacement part without any complex skills in vehicle maintenance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fits for 07-17 Jeep Wrangler Ball Joints have a high-quality, maintenance-free design with no lubrication required. | None |
| Customers can customize their Fits for 07-17 Jeep Wrangler Ball Joints according to their needs. | |
| Fits For 07-17 Jeep Wrangler Ball Joints are optimal for amateur players and beginners. | |
| Compared to other types of hardware, these ball joint kits are easy to install with factory-certified measurement and safety standards. | |
| Eight pieces for optimization and interchangeability of the Jeep Wrangler. |
4. Detroit Axle – New Front 4-Piece Upper & Lower Ball Joint Set
Valuable ball joints are a vital part of your Jeep JK suspension system that wears out over time. Detroit Axle- New Front 4-Piece Upper & Lower Ball Joint Set provides superior quality suspension components to meet the demands of off-road isolation.
Detroit Axle 4-Piece Front Lower Ball Joints are a 4-piece set consisting of two top and two bottom ball joints. It is designed to improve significantly by providing confident maneuverability and strengthening your vehicle’s steering capabilities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Detroit Axle will help restore your vehicle’s steering capabilities and keep you worry-free in the long run. | Professional installation may be needed for exact fitting. |
| Detroit Axle’s OE-quality excellence translates to a 10-year replacement warranty. | |
| The durable ball joints reduce the wheel wobble, making driving a challenge. | |
| Detroit provides customers with quality, reliability, and unsurpassed performance at an affordable price. | |
| Detroit Axle seamless joints have a chrome-coated, tapered roller bearing and locking nut. | |
| Detroit Axle offers a wide variety of Jeep JK ball joints. |
5. Heavy Duty Ball Joint Press & U Joint Removal Tool Kit
Heavy Duty Ball Joint Press & U Joint Removal Tool Kit provides a professional-strength press combined with all the tools you need to service the steering and suspension of your Jeep.
The kit is equipped with seven heavy-duty, heat-treated, black-oxide pieces designed to fit in your hand. Anyone with ordinary mechanic skills can use it. The tool helps you remove the bolts, nuts, and pins within a short time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It provides a tapered surface at the installation facility to allow pre-pressed universal joints to swivel off during removals. | The adaptor is long for the lower joint. |
| The tool kit is essential to give you a hassle-free operation for removing ball joints and u-joints. | |
| Heavy Duty Ball Joint Press & U Joint Removal Tool Kit helps resist rust and corrosion over time. | |
| The Tool Kit is easy to follow because all the steps are laid out. | |
| It effectively lets you press the ball joints on any vehicle and remove the front axle from a teardrop-shaped axle. | |
| This kit offers excellent leverage to press out piston rod ends and helps ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle’s suspension system. |
6. Astro Pneumatic Tool 7865 Ball Joint Service Tool
The Astro Pneumatic Tool 7865 Ball Joint Service Tool Kit is the perfect comprehensive auto repair kit for any DIY or professional. The C-frame press assembly can be adjusted in 2 different positions. It’s versatile enough for medium-duty service jobs on many other lights.
It has everything needed for vehicle maintenance, including sockets and sockets ratchet, extension bar, and ratchet handle. The toolset comes in an easy-to-handle carry bag, which makes transporting it around much easier than before.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The ball joint contains multiple steering ball joints, tie rods, and centering springs into a single easy-to-use tool that eliminates the need for multiple tools. | It is recommended to keep a spare adaptor. |
| It is assembled with highly accurate screws to facilitate flawless performance. | |
| The installation procedure is uncomplicated, making this tool a highly suitable choice that professionals prefer. | |
| The tools are durable because they are made of forged steel. | |
| A highly efficient molded case delivers easy storage and transport of the tool. |
7. Alloy USA 11800 Upper & Lower Ball Joint Kit
Alloy USA 11800 Upper & Lower Ball Joint Kit could help you out if you are interested in a model that can cater to your basic requirements. Alloy USA 11800 Upper & Lower Ball Joint Kit is designed to replace existing ball joints on passenger cars and Jeep JK with inferior performance.
This billet kit includes upper, and lower ball joints made using the latest manufacturing technology. It also helps you keep your Jeep JK secure, which reduces wheel alignment issues.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| With this hardware with the low zerk settings, you won’t have any trouble installing this on your Jeep. | Not eligible for harsh applications. |
| Alloy USA 11800 Upper & Lower Ball Joint Kit comes with ball joints and grease fittings for convenient maintenance. | |
| It includes PVC sleeves to help make the greasing process quick and straightforward. | |
| The preload system ensures proper installation of the pieces. | |
| Well-built construction of tool kits also ensures the longevity of ball joints. | |
| Five-year warranty to provide benefits to the customer. |
8. PartsW 4 Pc Suspension Kit
PartsW 4 Pc Suspension Kit has been designed specifically for metalworking machinery. It contains four suspension parts of high quality and precision both in appearance and functionality. PartsW 4 Pc Jeep Suspension Kit is definitely worth your consideration.
It includes everything you need to improve your vehicle’s handling, specifically the front and rear tire shock absorbers and suspension springs. With these parts installed on your car, every bump you drive over will be absorbed, preventing you from getting uncomfortable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| PartsW 4 Pc Jeep Suspension Kit is optimal for off-road performance and adjustments. | The zerk lower ball joint is hard to fit. |
| This kit includes everything you need to replace your worn-out or outdated parts and get back on the road. | |
| PartsW 4 Pc Jeep Suspension Kit contains a steel stud that ensures added sturdy durability needed on rough terrain. | |
| The dust boots prevent contamination and protect against surface damage on the axle shafts. | |
| It is also available in various sizes and can cater to various jeeps. |
9. Dynatrac JP44-2X3050-C Pro Steer Ball Joints
Your Jeep JK needs a steady and secure connection from the front axle to the steering wheel. Dynatrac JP44-2X3050-C Pro Steer Ball Joints provide reliable steering from the wheels to the steering wheel. A relentless commitment to quality is what makes them the best.
It offers a wide variety of standard and premium steering components to meet your demands. Dynatrac JP44-2X3050-C is a high-performance steering joint that far exceeds OE performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Created from high-strength billet housing steel, every part of these ball joints has been precision engineered to withstand the harshest conditions. | None |
| The selective electroplated hardened stainless steel balls meet militant requirements. | |
| It features a 360-radius, low-temperature-capable grease fitting for high durability. | |
| These ball joints are essential with Teflon coats on the wear points and a compact, lightweight design. | |
| Constructed from high-strength materials and rigorous testing, they are specifically designed for demanding off-road vehicles. | |
| Even under extreme conditions, it carries more load capacity than OEM ball joints. |
10. DV8 Offroad
DV8 Offroad Ball Joints are premium replacement ball joints for your vehicle made in the USA. It provides the most precise steering control and retraction you can count on. They meet or exceed OEM specifications, are grease-able, and offer longer tread life.
Rubber seals resist wear and tear while providing a smooth, quiet ride. The press-fit design assures a perfect alignment to help your axle retain its factory ride quality. DV8 provides durable and reliable suspension components for off-road vehicles, ensuring maximum performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The ball joints come in a pair that includes Upper and Lower Ball Joints for one complete axle. | None |
| Heavy-duty CR rubber boots can withstand the harshest conditions while maintaining a smooth operation. | |
| All DV8 Ball Joints are made from high-quality steel and machined using state-of-the-art CNC machines. | |
| DV8 Ball Joints include all new groves for a more accurate fitting and improved strength and durability. | |
| DV8 Offroad ball joints install easily on your Jeep using an ordinary socket and wrench. |
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
What Are Ball Joints? What Do Ball Joints Do?
Ball joints are one of the essential parts of your vehicle. They connect your front suspension to the steering mechanism and suspension. Ball joints consist of two halves of ball sockets.
One half is attached to your control arm, while the other is attached to the steering knuckle or spindle. These coupled links allow you to steer, and they also allow you to make turns by pivoting at two points rather than just one point.
Installing The Ball Joints: DIY Or Get Them Done?
Screw removing and the ball joint installation on a Jeep JK are pretty straightforward, provided you have the required tools, knowledge, and experience. It would help if you had a good quality torque wrench and ball joint separator.
Installation of those ball joints on your JK will vary depending on whether you do it yourself or have a shop do it. Correctly Installing the ball joints will improve the handling of your Jeep JK while driving it off-road.
Can I Drive With A Bad Ball Joint?
Ball joints are a significant part of your jeep suspension system, so you’ll want to inspect these frequently. If they’re loose or faulty, you should replace them as soon as possible for your safety.
If your vehicle has worn out ball joints, not only does it make your day-to-day driving more difficult. A foul ball joint can make an SUV useless and lead to other problems over time.
How Long Do Ball Joints Last?
Ball joints can wear out prematurely and require replacement if you want to protect your investment in a safe jeep. The biggest threat to ball joints is rust, and all components on your vehicle are subject to rust without proper maintenance.
General Jeep advises waiting until your JK has around 100,000 miles on the odometer before replacing the ball joints.
Who Makes The Best Ball Joints?
The Moog ball joints and Teraflex ball joints are top-notch replacement parts. Both are made of the same materials, and both are interchangeable. The significant differences come in price and quality control.
What Does It Cost To Replace Ball Joints?
When you hear a squeaking or popping noise from underneath your vehicle, it is most likely that the ball joints need to be replaced. Jeep-Wrangler ball joints will typically cost about $20 to 80$ or more, depending on if it needs new control arms.
The cost for replacing ball joints can vary depending on what you purchase from and what type or model of Jeep Jk you have.
Will Installing A Ball Joint Cause Harm To My Jeep JK?
The ball joint adapter is designed for Jeep-Wrangler JK’s. The ball joint is a spacer using the same bolt pattern that the factory uses. It’s okay to tighten the bolt after completion.
The installation of a ball joint can cause some harm to the vehicle, but don’t worry. The Jeep Ball Joint Kit comes with everything you need, including a steering stabilizer to prevent your steering column from moving and get the job done safely.
How Many Ball Joints Are Installed In A Jeep JK?
Your Jeep JK has four ball joints, but only two are visible from the undercarriage. Ball joints are located on each side of the front axle near its center. They hold the axle shaft and allow the wheel to rotate freely.
The front suspension of a Jeep JK is composed of the upper and lower control arms, pivot ball, track bar (or radius arm), and caster/camber bolts. The inner and outer ball joints are mounted on the ends of the pivot ball.
What Is Kind Of Bearing Used In A Ball Joint?
Ball joints provide a pivoting point for your axle shafts, which attach to the wheels and allow them to turn, steer and pivot. A ball joint is a spherical bearing that connects the control arms to the steering knuckles.
They are found on virtually every automobile made, and unlike other styles of bearings, they often require no lubrication throughout their life.
What Makes A Suspension Ball Joint So Durable For My Jeep JK?
Jeep JK suspension ball joints are made with speed, strength, and toughness. The Moog suspension ball joints are a one-piece design, two- or three-piece design found on most other ball joints.
The Moog ball joints are also aircraft quality bolts with a preload, making them stronger than ordinary bolts. These preload ball joints will not loosen over time and deliver a durable performance.
How Serious Can A Ball Joint Failure Be?
Tricky to diagnose and sometimes downright scary, ball joint failure can be devastating to your Jeep JK. Most people are unprepared for a ball joint failure on their Jeep JK Wrangler.
Severe damage from a ball joint failure can include torn steering components, loss of control, passenger injury, and even death.
Who Can Perform The Installation Correctly?
There is a significant amount of torque involved in the installation, so you need to know how to use the right ball joint press tool and choose the correct replacement joint. If you’re in doubt about either, don’t bother attempting this job.
It takes a trained mechanic of exceptional ability. Lacking the talent and experience could lead to personal injury or death.
What Tools Are Needed To Replace Ball Joints?
To replace ball joints on your Jeep, you’ll need such tools as needle-nose pliers and a socket wrench with a ratcheting handle; a wheel bearing and hub assembly press; torque wrench; pliers; the spare wheel or jack stands; and a hydraulic floor jack.
The needle nose pliers are for turning the nuts on the lower ball joint bolts, and the wrench is for undoing the castle nut on each of the upper ball joints.
What Happens When Ball Joints Go Out?
That sound will get anyone’s attention. Your ball joints keep your tires pointed straight ahead when driving. They will bind and grind if broken, causing horrible steering issues and a complex problem when handling any terrain.
There can be a lot of reasons why the ball joints will go wrong, but the fix is relatively easy if caught early enough.
What Do Bad Ball Joints Sound Like?
Bad ball joints sound like a grinding, rasping noise when you turn the wheel. Bad ball joints can cause your steering wheel to jerk or pull to one side when you turn suddenly. These poor-performing ball joints allow the front wheels to point in slightly different directions.
Rather than the vehicle frame, allow tire/road friction and weight distribution problems.
Are MOOG Ball Joints Better?
MOOG ball joints are designed to withstand far greater forces than original equipment. Made from premium materials and engineered with full-size bearings and grease fittings, these ball joints provide you with years of trouble-free use.
They’re more reliable and accessible to service while being a better value.
Do I Have To Grease New Ball Joints?
When it comes time to install your new joints, you’ll want to remove as much of this grease as possible before putting your new joints under load. Ball Joints are rated for grease, and you should always grease new joints before installing them.
The Jeep JK Wrangler service manual recommends applying several tiny drops of wheel bearing grease along the top of each ball joint before installation.
How Much Play Is Acceptable In A Ball Joint?
With so much freedom of movement and many different suspension designs, it’s natural that your Jeep ball joints will move quite a bit during everyday use. The average movement is approximately .250″, which is considered acceptable for most Jeep Jk.
Final Verdict: So What Are The Best Ball Joints For Jeep Jk?
Ball joint wear and tear is a pretty common problem on jeeps in general. The joint is a rod with two pivots, both subjected to stress over time. It causes the joint to wear out or break apart. Another reason might be rust build-up or lack of grease.
In general, Moog dominates the industry because they are well known for producing some of the highest quality components. Their products are more less-expensive, but we believe that it’s worth it when you take into consideration their high quality and excellent lifetime warranty.
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