Most drivers only start thinking about their ball joints when something is wrong. When they hear noise from the suspension or feel like the steering is loose. One of the first questions asked by a driver is “how many ball joints does a car have?” and “where do you find them in my car?”
To answer the question “how many ball joint does a car have?” This is not a fixed number because of different designs of the suspension systems on vehicles, and also because of the size of the vehicle.
How Many Ball Joints Does a Car Have in Different Vehicles?
The pivot point function of ball joints connects the control arm with the steering knuckle. The ball joint enables the vertical up/down movement of the tire while allowing the turning of the tire without binding.
Ball joints experience the highest level of interaction with the constantly changing motion of the system and will sustain a higher level of interface damage due to the increased amount of wear-and-tear. A good understanding how many ball joints does a car have will allow you to prepare for any maintenance plans to be made in the future.
How Many Ball Joint Does a Car Have in the Front Suspension?
In terms of actual driving conditions, how many ball joints does a car have?
Generally speaking, most cars are designed with 2 ball joints as part of a simple front suspension system, 4 ball joints as part of a more complex system and 6+ ball joints on larger vehicles such as the total number of ball joints will depend on the specific design of the vehicle’s suspension system.
How Many Ball Joint Does a Car Have by Suspension Type?
Suspension style is the biggest factor in determining ball joint count.
MacPherson Strut Suspension
- Common in economy cars and sedans
- Uses one ball joint per front wheel
- Total: 2 ball joints
Double Wishbone Suspension
- Found in SUVs, trucks, and performance vehicles
- Uses two ball joints per front wheel
- Total: 4 ball joints
Ball Joint Count by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Category | Typical Ball Joint Count |
| Small Sedan | 2 |
| Mid-Size Sedan | 2–4 |
| SUV | 4–6 |
| Pickup Truck | 4–8 |
This graph demonstrates how many ball joints does a car have different years/types of cars.
Do Cars Have Ball Joints in the Rear Suspension?
As you can see from this breakdown, the average car has two ball joints per axle except for most main-stream cars manufactured up until now, which usually do not use ball-joint type rear suspension, but typically use poly-bushings as part of their rear suspension system.
In some cases, however, certain vehicles (for example: luxury and off-road) do have multi-link rear suspensions which may contain additional ball joints; thus the total number of ball joints on these models will be greater than those of their standard counterparts.
Upper and Lower Ball Joints Explained
Ball joints are generally divided into two categories:
Upper Ball Joints
- Help control steering movement
- Usually experience less load
Lower Ball Joints
- Support most of the vehicle’s weight
- Wear out more quickly
Lower ball joints are often the first to fail.
What Causes Ball Joints to Wear Out?
Ball joints wear faster due to:
- Poor road conditions
- Heavy loads
- Lack of lubrication
- Misaligned wheels
Once worn, they can affect handling and tire life, making it important to know how many ball joints does a car have before repairs.
Common Symptoms of Bad Ball Joints
Look out for:
- Clunking or knocking noises
- Loose steering feel
- Uneven front tire wear
- Vehicle pulling while driving
These warning signs indicate suspension inspection is needed.
Ball Joint Replacement Cost Overview
| Vehicle Type | Average Replacement Cost |
| Sedan | $300–$600 |
| SUV | $500–$1,200 |
| Truck | $800–$2,000 |
The total cost depends on how many ball joints does a car have and how difficult they are to access.
How to Make Ball Joints Last Longer
- Drive carefully on rough roads
- Maintain proper wheel alignment
- Inspect suspension regularly
- Replace worn parts early
- Preventive care saves money over time.
Conclusion
Understanding how many ball joints does a car have helps in identifying how a vehicle’s suspension is designed and maintained. Most standard vehicles will not include any ball joints in the assembly of the rear, which is typically designed with bushings. The most commonly used style of rear suspension will contain either two or three bushings, but there are some exceptions to this rule and larger-sized vehicles will typically contain several more than three.
By inspecting your suspension regularly and making timely repairs, you will have a vehicle that is handled easily and tires that will last longer.
You might be interested in learning about how many fuel injectors does a car have? We have made an informative article on this topic as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many ball joints does a car have on average?
Most cars have 2 to 4 ball joints, depending on suspension design.
2. How many ball joint does a car have in the front?
Front suspensions usually contain 2 or 4 ball joints.
3. Are rear ball joints common in cars?
No, they are only found in some advanced rear suspension systems.
4. Is driving with worn ball joints safe?
No. Worn ball joints can lead to steering failure and serious accidents.
5. How long do ball joints typically last?
They usually last between 70,000 and 150,000 miles.
