Ball Joint Delete Pros and Cons: Detailed Discussion
For a lot of vehicle drivers, ball joint delete is an unclear term. nonetheless, it is one of the most important components of your vehicle.
So, what are the Ball Joint Delete Pros and Cons?
There are several advantages of ball joint delete, for example, this is entirely rebuildable and allows free movement in both directions, provides flexible side-by-side movement, and precise control over the vehicle. On the other hand, the disadvantages are, no specific lifespan, requires frequent replacement, increasing noise from vehicles, etc.
If you are willing to know more, make sure you read the following article. Hopefully, you would find everything that you need to know about ball joint delete.
What is a balljoint Delete?
Ball joint delete is a customization in the existing factory ball joint of the suspension of your vehicle. It replaces the existing ball joint with another kind of joint or linkage.
Usually, the ball joints are used on the front suspension for specialized vehicles like racing cars.
The main mechanism of ball joint delete is to connect the control arm with the knuckle of the steering. People often change their ball joints for durability and better control over the vehicle.
But sometimes it can also have a negative impact on the vehicle when safety is the concern. Now that you know about ball joints, you can also search for Heim joints which have similar functionalities to the ball joints.
These are the vehicles where balljoint delete is performed most;
- Jeep Wrangler JI
- Jeep Wrangler
- Ram 2500
Ball Joint Delete: Pros & Cons
Since ball joint delete is a modification to your existing system of the vehicle, it has both advantages and disadvantages. Though it will provide better control of your vehicle, it
can also compromise safety.
Here are some major pros and cons of ball joint delete in the following-
| Pros | Cons |
| Allows free movement in two directions | Several replacements of the ball joint make it loose |
| Completely rebuildable | No specific lifespan |
| It doesn’t separate or fall apart easily from the vehicle | Can fail in very early milage |
| Straightforward construction | Clicking or squeaking noise after a few times of using |
| Flexible side-by-side movement | A dry ball joint can stick the steering or make it difficult to move |
| Safe control over the vehicle | Failed ball joint makes the wheels angle completely uncontrolled |
These are some pros and cons and usually a problem with the vehicle system will show an error code on OBD scanner.
Ball Joint Delete: Pros
As we already know, ball joints are mainly used for free and flexible movement in both directions along with free rotation, so this has to offer comfortable riding.
Here are the detailed advantages of it-
Increased Articulation:
Ball joint deletes allow the suspension to articulate more, which can be helpful when traversing obstacles. Especially for vehicles that participate in races or travel through off-roads.
Increased Durability:
Ball joints are a common failure point on off-road vehicles, so removing them can help to improve durability. If the replacement is of good quality, it will significantly improve the performance and responsiveness of the vehicle.
Reduced Maintenance:
Ball joints require regular maintenance, such as greasing, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Removing them eliminates the need for this maintenance. So you are saving both money and time.
Ball Joint Delete: Cons
Here are a few major disadvantages of ball joint deletion-
Reduced safety:
Replacement of ball joints can reduce safety. The main purpose of the ball joint is to align the wheel of the vehicle and to provide better stability and suspension while riding. When we replace it, if it doesn’t fit properly or the joint is not right, the safety is compromised.
So when you replace the ball joint, you are reducing the safety of your rides as well.
Increased Noise:
Ball joint deletes can cause more noise, as the suspension is not as well-damped. It will drastically reduce the quality of your vehicle. According to the replacements, it can also lead to a less comfortable ride.
Increased Cost:
Ball joint deletes can be expensive, as they require new components and installation. In some cases, it is very difficult to find the right replacement, and thus the ride quality drops.
Overall, ball joint deletes are a modification that can offer both benefits and drawbacks. Whether or not they are right for your vehicle depends on your individual needs and budget.
So, if you don’t replace the ball joints after noticing the noise, that would make your drive very risky. It is very dangerous as it will make the wheels angle out of your control. And you might have to replace the ball joint frequently as they are prone to damage.
How To Perform A Ball Joint Delete: Step By Step
There is no specific lifespan for ball joint delete. They can go bad at any point in time. The symptoms of failed ball joint deletion are pretty evident. You will notice unusual noise, difficulty in steering movement, or loose or worn suspension systems for failed ball joints.
As soon as you notice any improper installation or failed ball joints due to lack of maintenance, you have to replace them immediately. Here is the process of how you can replace the ball joint delete the following-
Tools You Need:
These are the few essential tools you will be needing for replacing the ball joints-
- Screwdriver
- Socket
- Wrench
- Side cutter
- Ball joint press kit
- Tire iron
- Rust penetrant
- Hammer
- Axle press
- Ball joint separator
- Needle nose plier
- Shop towel
Step 1:
First, take off all the connections and joints including the tire, drive link, axle shaft, caliper, rotor, and finally the knuckle. Now you have to press out the old ball joint. You can take the help of a suitable wrench to do so.
Step 2:
For taking off the cotter pins, you can use a pushing tool that would push and loosen the ball joint from the bottom. You can take the help of a torque wrench to pop out the ball joint.
You can choose tools according to your convenience, just make sure it matches the socket size.
Step 3:
For the bottom of the ball joint, take one o-ring and a shim that came with the ball joint and put the o-ring first, and on top of that put the shim. The smoother ball joint without texture is the bottom ball joint.
Step 4:
Set the new ball joint keeping in mind the top and the bottom portion. There should be a gap on the bottom of the cup after setting it. Use a wrench for tightening the ball joint placement.
Step 5:
Now it’s time for the top ball joint. You can repeat the same process as the bottom ball joint. Take off the shim and the o-ring first, put the ball joint through the joint whole, and then place the o-ring and the shim over it.
It’s better to clean all the dirt and debris before inserting the ball joint. The replacement process is the same for ball joint delete Dana 30, ball joint delete Dana 60
For more clarification on ball joint deletion, you can also check:
Few Factors to Keep in Mind About Ball Joint Delete
These are the few factors that you need to consider before deciding on the ball joint delete:
Your Driving Style:
If you do a lot of off-road driving, a ball joint delete may be a good option for you. However, if you mostly drive on paved roads, a ball joint delete may not be worth the added cost and complexity.
Your Budget:
Ball joint deletes can be expensive, so you’ll need to factor in the cost of the parts and installation when making your decision.
Your Skill Level:
If you’re not comfortable working on your own vehicle, you’ll need to factor in the cost of having a professional do the installation.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to do a ball joint delete is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide what’s best for you and your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Why Are Ball Joints Important For Vehicles?
Ball joints play the most significant role, especially for rides that are not very smooth ride, which is flexibility in driveshaft movement. It will allow a smooth shaft moves up and down with the suspension, while the shaft is moving. That’s how power can be transmitted when the drive shaft isn’t in a straight line.
Can We Drive With Bad Ball Joints?
No, you should never take the risk of driving without a ball joint. The worst part is if you keep on riding with a bad ball joint, and it fails completely, you will lose control of the vehicle which would lead to a crash and injury.
What Is The Functionality Of The Lower Ball Joint?
The lower ball joints are usually attached to the control arm and are basically responsible for transferring load from the front tire to the axle. Other than that, it also helps in providing stability and accuracy while turning corners.
Final Words
I hope this entire discussion was helpful enough for you regarding Ball Joints Delete Pros & Cons. By now, things should be clear to you regarding the functionality and the details about the ball joint delete.
One last thing to add, do not make any delay in replacing the ball joint as soon as you detect it is failing. That would save you from any unwanted situation.
That is everything for now. Hope to see you soon.
Till then, safe driving!
