As we all know, the car is composed of many parts, and the joints are one of them. The joints can be simply understood as the “connecting” or “linking” part between two parts.
It can be said that without joints, the car cannot be assembled into a whole, which illustrates the great importance of joints in a vehicle.
Of all the joints you will find in a car, there are two main ones which are the ball joint and the CV joint.
But what really is the difference between CV joint vs ball joint? CV joints form a part of the front end axle shafts, while ball joints are part of the front suspension. In other words, CV joints are complex socket and ball joints.
What Are Ball Joints?
A ball joint is a bearing that mechanically connects the control arm of your car to the steering knuckle. This type of joint allows for a wide range of motion, making it ideal for applications such as suspension.
Ball joints are designed to withstand heavy loads and are typically found on the front suspension of a vehicle.
What Are CV Joints?
A CV joint is a type of joint that is used to connect two shafts that are at different angles. They are typically found on the drive axles of a vehicle and allow for an extensive range of motion.
In addition, CV joints are designed to withstand high loads and can be found on both the front and rear suspension of a vehicle.
While both ball joints and CV joints serve the same purpose, they work differently. Ball joints allow for a wide range of motion, making them ideal for applications such as suspension.
On the other hand, CV joints are designed to withstand high loads and can be found on both the front and rear suspension of a vehicle.
Types of Constant-Velocity (CV) Joints
- Rzeppa CV Joint.
- Tripod Joints.
- Tripod Joints (Fixed)
- Fixed & Plunge Joints.
- Plunge Joints
- Outboard Joints and Inboard Joints.
What Is The Difference Between CV Joint And Ball Joint?
There are two types of joints commonly used in vehicles: ball joints and CV joints. While both serve the same purpose—to allow movement between two parts while keeping them connected—they work differently. Here’s a look at the key differences between these two types of joints:
| BALL JOINTS | CV JOINTS |
| They’re part of car front suspension | CV joints are part of the front axle shaft |
| They are responsible for holding the suspension of your car together | Facilitate power to help turn the wheel from the transaxle |
| Found on every vehicle | Found in front-wheel-drive cars |
| Failing ball joints results to drifting steering, and the wheel can fall off | If the CV joint fails, your car will pull to one side as the one wheel loses power |
| Connect steering knuckles and control arms | CV joints connect the drive shaft to the transmission and wheels |
Are There Ball Joints on Rear Wheels
Depending on the type of suspension your car has, there may or may not be ball joints on the rear wheels.
Most cars with solid-axle suspension will have ball joints on the rear wheels, while those with independent suspension will not. Ball joints are an important part of the suspension, and if they go bad, it can lead to problems with steering and handling.
If you’re unsure whether your car has ball joints on the rear wheels, you can check your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic.
Signs of Failing CV joints
If you notice any of the following signs, your CV joints may be failing:
- A clicking noise when turning: This is usually due to a loose or damaged CV joint.
- A “thunk” when accelerating or decelerating: This can be caused by a damaged CV joint or an imbalance in the wheels.
- A vibration in the steering wheel: This is often caused by a damaged CV joint or an imbalance in the wheels.
- A “clunk” when shifting gears: This can be caused by a damaged CV joint or an improper gear shift.
- A loss of power: This is usually due to a leak in the power steering system but can also be caused by a damaged CV joint.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. CV joint failure can lead to loss of control of the car and could result in a serious injury or even death.
Signs Of Failing Ball Joints
Ball joints are an important part of a car’s suspension, and they can fail for a number of reasons. However, there are some common signs that indicate when ball joints are starting to fail.
One of the most common signs of failing ball joints is a clicking noise coming from the suspension. This noise is caused by the ball joint moving in and out of its socket as the suspension moves up and down.
Another common sign of failing ball joints is uneven tire wear. This happens because the ball joint is not holding the wheel in alignment with the rest of the suspension, causing the tires to scrub against the road surface.
A third common sign of failing ball joints is steering that feels loose or sloppy. This happens because the ball joint is not holding the wheel in alignment with the rest of the suspension, causing the steering to feel less precise.
If either of these signs is present, it’s crucial to have the ball joints checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Failing ball joints can cause several problems, including decreased handling and can eventually lead to the wheel falling off altogether.
Similarities between Ball and CV Joints
There are many similarities between ball and CV joints. Both types of joints allow for movement in multiple directions and are designed to limit the amount of stress that is placed on the joint. Additionally, both types of joints are lubricated to reduce friction and wear.
Final thoughts
CV and ball joints are vital parts of a car’s suspension. They allow the wheels to move up and down and side to side. Over time, these parts can wear out, making your car’s ride less smooth and comfortable.
If you notice that your car is starting to make more noise than usual when driving over bumps, or if the ride feels less smooth, it may be time to have your CV joints or ball joints checked. A qualified mechanic will be able to tell you for sure whether they need to be replaced. In some cases, it may be possible just to have them repaired.
Sources:
https://www.samarins.com/glossary/cv_joint.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_joint
Hi I’m Marshall based in 1478 Doctors Drive Santa Monica, CA. I’m your DIY Car Repairman with more than 5 years experience in automobile repair, a skill I learned from my old man.
I started this blog to share my experience on both simple and technical aspects of your car.
