Ball joint and control arm

SHAHEEM RAINEY

MEMBER
2003 INFINITI G35
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

I have just recently had my lower ball joints and lower control arm replaced yesterday.I went to get a alignment today and it still drives horrible. When I took a closer look I see that the ball joint has fallen through the control arm and when jacked up the wheel is very playfully loose. What do you think the problem may be?

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1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,870 POSTS

If this had been the original control arm, a common cause is the hole became wobbled out over time. With cast iron or steel arms, we often need to put little spot welds on them to insure the socket stays in place.

Your control arm is aluminum, so welding is not an option. What probably happened here is there is a giant snap ring that goes around the body of the ball joint and seats in a groove. Sometimes casting flash is overlooked and the snap ring does not seat fully. It is also possible the mechanic neglected to install the snap ring.

Regardless of the cause, a reputable shop will take care of this. The mechanic deserves the chance to correct any mistake and there should be no charge to you. If the tire is rubbing or you have to drive any distance, it is best to have it towed to the shop, but contact the people at the shop first. Sometimes they have a towing company they work with that they trust, or they may have their own tow truck.