how many ball joints does a car have

[DeEmiliano]

Most cars have four ball joints, two per front wheel. However, the exact number depends entirely on your vehicle's suspension design. The front suspension, which allows the wheels to turn for steering, always contains the ball joints. The simpler and very common MacPherson strut design typically uses one ball joint per lower control arm, totaling two. More complex double-wishbone or multi-link front suspensions often use two ball joints per wheel—one upper and one lower—bringing the total to four.

A ball joint is a crucial pivot point that connects the steering knuckle (which holds the wheel) to the control arms. It’s a spherical bearing that allows for rotational movement in multiple directions, which is essential for both steering and for the wheels to move up and down independently over bumps. Worn ball joints are a serious safety concern, as they can cause vague steering, uneven tire wear, and in a worst-case scenario, lead to a complete loss of steering control.

The rear suspension is a different story. Most cars have a solid axle or a simpler independent rear suspension that doesn't require ball joints for steering, so the count is zero back there. To determine the exact number for your car, you need to know its specific front suspension setup.

Vehicle Suspension Type	Typical Number of Ball Joints (Front)	Typical Number of Ball Joints (Rear)	Total Typical Count
MacPherson Strut	2 (1 lower per side)	0	2
Double-Wishbone	4 (1 upper & 1 lower per side)	0	4
Multi-Link Front	4 (configurations vary)	0	4
Solid Front Axle (Trucks/SUVs)	2 or 4	0	2 or 4
Most Common Passenger Car Total			4

[MaggieDella]

It's usually four, two for each front wheel. They're like the shoulders of your car's suspension, letting the wheels turn and move up and down. You'll find them right behind the front wheels. If you start hearing a clunking noise when you go over small bumps, it's a good bet one of them is getting tired. It's not something to ignore.

[LaAvery]

Think of it this way: your car needs to pivot at each front wheel to steer. A ball joint is the pivot. Most modern cars with a double-wishbone suspension have an upper and a lower ball joint for each front wheel, so that's four total. Simpler strut suspensions might only have two. The rears don't steer, so they don't need them. The best way to know for sure is to look up the service information for your specific make and model.

[VanFelicity]

From a safety standpoint, the number is less important than their condition. A typical car has four, but whether it's two or four, a failed ball joint can lead to a catastrophic loss of control. They are a consumable part, wearing out over time, especially if you frequently drive on rough roads. Listen for new noises and pay attention to any looseness in the steering. Getting them inspected during routine maintenance is cheap insurance.