How many kilometers should the steering ball joint of a Xiali be replaced?
2 Answers
The steering ball joint of a Xiali generally needs to be replaced every 80,000 kilometers. Method for replacing the steering ball joint: First, remove the tire, take out the positioning pin of the outer ball joint, and unscrew the fixing screw of the outer ball joint; loosen the outer ball joint by tapping, then remove it; take off the dust cover of the steering gear and pry open the fixing piece of the inner ball joint; insert a water pipe to embed the lower ball joint, then install a new ball joint on top; after replacing the ball joint, adjust the toe-in. Working principle of the steering ball joint: The tie rod with a ball joint housing has the ball joint of the steering spindle placed inside the housing. The ball joint is hinged with the edge of the shaft hole of the housing through the ball seat at its front end, and the needle roller between the ball seat and the steering spindle is embedded in the groove on the inner hole surface of the ball seat.
I've been doing car repairs for a while and have encountered quite a few issues with Xiali's steering ball joint replacements. This component is part of the steering system, connecting the suspension and steering mechanism. When worn out, it can affect driving safety. Honestly, there's no strict rule on how many kilometers it must be replaced, but it's generally recommended to inspect it every 50,000 kilometers or so, especially if driving on rough roads or frequently stuck in city traffic. Gravel and potholes accelerate wear, and parts on older cars like Xiali are more prone to aging. During inspections, if you hear clicking sounds when turning or excessive steering wheel play, those are warning signs. Don't wait for problems to arise—have the mechanic check the tightness during each maintenance session and replace it promptly. The cost is low, just a few dozen yuan, but delaying it could lead to more expensive repairs later.
