Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Ball Joints
2016 Buick Encore Base, AWDSECTION Ball Joints
NOTE:
Before requiring or suggesting ball joint replacement, the approved OEM procedure must be used to measure ball joint wear. The measurement(s) obtained, along with the vehicle manufacturer's specifications, must be noted on the inspection report. Some states require that these measurements also appear on the invoice. The term ""perceptible movement,"" defined as any visible movement in any direction, has been the industry standard for determining the need for replacement of follower (non-load carrying) ball joints. Some vehicle manufacturers are now publishing specifications for follower ball joints that were previously diagnosed by the ""perceptible movement"" standard. Before requiring or suggesting any parts be replaced based on ""perceptible movement,"" consult your repair manual to determine if OEM specifications exist. You are not required to replace ball joints in axle sets. However, when replacing a ball joint due to wear exceeding manufacturer's specification, you may suggest replacement of the other ball joint if its measurement shows it is close to the end of its useful life, for preventive maintenance.
| Condition | Code | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Attaching hardware broken | A | Require repair or replacement of hardware |
| Attaching hardware corroded, affecting structural integrity | A | Require replacement of hardware |
| Attaching hardware missing | C | Require replacement of hardware |
| Attaching hardware not functioning | A | Require repair or replacement of hardware |
| Attaching hardware threads damaged | A | Require repair or replacement of hardware |
| Attaching hardware threads stripped (threads missing) | A | Require replacement of hardware |
| Binding | A | Further inspection required |
|
NOTE:
If greaseable, grease ball joint. If problem persists or joint is non-greaseable, require replacement.
|
||
| Grease boot cracked | 2 | Suggest replacement |
|
NOTE:
Cracked grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the ball joint and will accelerate wear.
|
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| Grease boot missing | C | Require replacement |
|
NOTE:
Lack of grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the ball joint and will accelerate wear.
|
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| Grease boot torn | A | Require replacement |
|
NOTE:
Torn grease boot will allow contaminants to enter the ball joint and will accelerate wear.
|
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| Grease fitting broken | A | Require replacement of grease fitting |
|
NOTE:
Some vehicles come from the factory with broken fittings. No service is suggested or required on these vehicles.
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| Grease fitting missing | C | Require replacement of grease fitting |
| Grease fitting won't seal | A | Require replacement of grease fitting |
| Greaseable ball joint will not take grease | 2 | Suggest replacement of grease fitting |
|
NOTE:
If the greaseable ball joint still will not take grease after replacing the grease fitting, suggest replacement of ball joint.
|
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| Nut on ball joint loose | A | Require repair or replacement |
|
NOTE:
Check for bent stud or damaged taper hole.
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| Pre-load adjustment incorrect | B | Require repair or replacement |
| Seized | A | Require replacement |
| Stud bent | B | Require replacement |
|
NOTE:
Check for damaged taper hole.
|
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| Stud broken | A | Require replacement |
|
NOTE:
Check for damaged taper hole.
|
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| Threads damaged | A | Require repair or replacement |
| Threads stripped (threads missing) | A | Require replacement |
|
NOTE:
Check for damaged taper hole.
|
||
| Wear exceeds manufacturer's specifications | B | Require replacement |
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.