If the ball joints behave erratically, normal driving is out of the question. You feel suspension jitter, more effort is needed to steer, and direction can wander. It’s time for a change. Which ball joints are worth buying? Mikhail Kolodochkin and Aleksey Revin explore this in the latest issue of Za Rulem magazine, testing parts from 13 manufacturers that fit a wide range of Hyundai/Kia models (including the Rio and Solaris), as well as many Mitsubishi models and even a few from Volvo.
The tests show that all sample bodies are coated with a protective anti corrosion layer, but the quality of protection varies a lot. Not only the bodywork suffers rust, but also the pin, nut, lock washer, and even the spring washer that holds the boot can show corrosion.
To gauge durability, measurements included pulling force with an R-20 tensile tester, hardness of spherical surfaces using a TR-5006-M hardness tester, and frost resistance at -40°C and -50°C in a Tefcold SE30-45 digitally controlled freezer, alongside corrosion resistance of the products. The results highlighted both leaders and outright underperformers.
The weakest performers in the test were:
- Miles DB 35003 (650). The ball shows almost no hardness, and the anther component shows frost sensitivity.
- Marshall MB 100370 (750). It resists rust poorly, the surface is nearly bare, and the anther lacks frost resistance.
- Pilenga TS-P 373 (750). When checking pull-out force, the thread stripped from the nut. Corrosion resistance and hardness are minimal, and frost resistance is poor.
- Hanse HB 900 203 (800). Similar issues—the nut thread shears during pull-out testing. Hardness is low and frost resistance is lacking.
- Phenox BJ 10 126 (850). The only notable plus is the high surface hardness; the major drawback is very poor corrosion resistance, showing rust on both finger and body. It is also frost-sensitive, with the trunk cracking in the freezer.
Attention should be paid to sample #2 after freezer testing. With that anther, the hinge material tends to show wear after several hundred kilometers of operation.
There are also mid-range results in the test — these can be suitable under certain conditions and with specific caveats. Some drivers may get away without any reservations, having withstood the rigors of the testing process without serious complaints.
Which ball joints to consider when buying and how to avoid mistakes when choosing are discussed in the September issue of the magazine Behind the Wheel. It is now available!
- As autumn approaches, cars require more frequent washing; ensure the vehicle is not neglected at the car wash.
- Driving can now be viewed on RuTube.
The note was prepared based on the article On the Ball by Mikhail Kolodochkin and Alexei Revin.
The newest magazine issues are readily available on marketplaces