Jeep Wrangler Ball Joint Replacement Cost: The Complete Guide
If you’ve noticed some front end issues with your Jeep Wrangler like steering wandering, uneven tire wear, or clunking noises over bumps, worn out ball joints may be to blame. But how much does it cost to replace ball joints on a Jeep Wrangler? Replacing both upper and lower ball joints will run you $260 to $670 on average for parts and labor. Doing it yourself can save on shop fees.
Ball joints are an important suspension component that connect the control arms to the steering knuckles, allowing the front wheels to pivot and move freely. But they gradually wear out just like any other moving automotive part. If you’ve put 60k-100k miles on your Wrangler, it may be time to inspect and replace the ball joints.
In this DIY guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Jeep Wrangler ball joint replacement costs, when to replace them, parts and tools needed, whether you can do it yourself, and tips for getting the job done right. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What Exactly are Ball Joints?
Before jumping into the costs of replacement, let’s quickly cover what ball joints are and how they work.
Ball joints are a spherical bearing found at the top and bottom of the steering knuckle where it connects to the control arms on each side of your Wrangler’s front suspension. The ball joint consists of a tapered stud attached to the steering knuckle, housed in a tapered socket connected to the control arm.
This spherical pivot joint allows the front wheels to move freely up and down over uneven roads, adjusting to the terrain. At the same time, the joint gives the smooth and precise steering control that allows you to accurately point the front tires left or right.
Ball joints handle the stress, impact loads, and constant motion of daily driving. But eventually the greased joint wears out, gets loose and sloppy, and needs replacement. Signs your Wrangler’s ball joints are going bad include:
- Steering wandering, loose feeling or vibration when driving, especially at highway speeds
- Clunking, knocking or popping noises when going over bumps and turning
- Excessive tire wear on the outer or inner tread edges
- Looseness or “play” in the front wheels when rocking them by hand
If you notice these symptoms, have a mechanic inspect the ball joints. They can check for wear and “play” by prying on the tires and joints. An alignment check can also diagnose bad ball joints.
Why Do Jeep Wrangler Ball Joints Need Replacement?
Ball joints are considered a wear item that have a typical lifespan of 60,000-100,000 miles. The constant motion and stress from daily driving gradually wears down even high quality ball joints over time.
Factors that can accelerate wear and shorten ball joint life include:
- Age and miles – The older your Wrangler and the more miles on it, the more likely ball joints are worn out.
- Off-road use – The impacts and jolting from off-road trails can prematurely wear ball joints. Larger tires also add more stress.
- Towing/hauling – Frequent towing and carrying heavier loads adds more force on the ball joints.
- Severe driving conditions – Exposure to moisture, mud, salt, and extreme climates degrades the joints faster.
- Manufacturing defects – Low quality or defective ball joints will fail sooner.
- Accident damage – Impacts from potholes or accidents can damage the ball joint boots, contaminating the grease and accelerating wear.
Replacing the ball joints every 60k-100k miles or when you notice symptoms prevents more severe steering and suspension damage. It’s an important maintenance item for Jeep Wranglers, especially if driven off-road.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Jeep Wrangler Ball Joints?
Now let’s get into specifics on the typical parts and labor costs for replacing ball joints on Jeep Wranglers:
- Parts – $40 to $120 for a complete set of upper and lower ball joints. OEM Mopar parts are $120+. Aftermarket brands like Moog or TRW run $40-90.
- Labor – $220 to $550 for a shop to replace both upper and lower ball joints on both sides. More complex jobs could run higher.
- Total cost – $260 to $670 on average for a complete Wrangler ball joint replacement with parts and labor included.
You can save significantly on labor costs by doing the replacement yourself. But you need some mechanical skill, specialty tools, and patience for pressing in the new joints.
Costs can also vary depending on your Wrangler’s:
- Year and model – Earlier TJ and YJ models often have simpler ball joints that are easier to service, reducing labor time. Newer JK models tend to run higher.
- 4WD vs 2WD – 4WD Wranglers require more labor disassembling components to access the ball joints.
- Lift kits – Aftermarket lift kits make access more complex, potentially adding labor time.
- Rust and corrosion – Heavily rusted bolts and parts will require extra effort, raising costs.
- Other repairs needed – If tie rods, wheel bearings or other components also need replacement, costs go up.
For a 100k mile major preventative maintenance service, many Wrangler owners opt to replace the ball joints along with any other worn steering and suspension components to restore tight precise handling.
Shop around with a few mechanics to compare ball joint replacement quotes. Ask what parts they use and get an itemized breakdown of parts vs labor.
Can I Replace Jeep Wrangler Ball Joints Myself?
With some DIY mechanical skills and the proper tools, you can definitely replace Jeep Wrangler ball joints yourself in your home garage and save on labor costs. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools and Equipment
- Basic hand tools – ratchets, wrenches, pry bar, hammer, pliers, screwdrivers. The exact sizes will depend on your Wrangler year and configuration.
- Floor jack and jack stands – Essential for safely lifting and supporting the front end. Use jack stands, not just a jack.
- Ball joint separator – Specialized tool for separating the tapered stud from the socket so you can press out the old joint. Can rent this tool.
- Ball joint press – Another specialty tool you’ll need to press the new ball joints in properly. Auto parts stores rent ball joint service kits.
- Wheel bearing grease – For lubricating the new ball joints before installing.
- Torque wrench – Vital for tightening ball joint and suspension bolts to the proper specs.
- Replacement ball joints – Buy quality branded joints from Moog, TRW, etc. Avoid cheap no-name joints.
- Shop manual – Very helpful for the step-by-step removal and installation procedure for your Wrangler model and year. Find PDF copies online or at the library.
As long as you have these tools and parts, replacing the ball joints yourself is very doable. Just work slowly and carefully, following the shop manual service procedure.
DIY Ball Joint Replacement Tips
Here are some tips to make your DIY Jeep Wrangler ball joint job go more smoothly:
- Use penetrating oil on stubborn bolts a day ahead of time to loosen corrosion.
- Label fasteners and keep them organized so you know where they go.
- Inspect the old ball joint sockets and knuckle bores for damage. Clean out any dirt or corrosion.
- Apply a thin layer of wheel bearing grease before pressing in the new joints.
- Tighten all the bolts and nuts to the proper torque specs per the manual.
- Have the front end alignment checked after replacing ball joints. New joints can change alignment.
- Take your time and don’t force parts! Rushed jobs lead to damage and problems reassembling.
Give yourself a full weekend for replacing all 4 ball joints. It takes time to safely lift and support the front end, remove components carefully, swap joints, and reassemble properly. But it’s very rewarding to restore your Jeep’s steering and end the clunks and wandering.
Professional Ball Joint Replacement Costs
While DIY replacement will save you money, having a professional mechanic or shop replace your Wrangler’s ball joints also has advantages:
- Convenience – Simply drop off your Jeep and pick it up a few hours later with new joints installed. No buying tools or getting your hands dirty.
- Correct installation – Reputable shops have certified techs who replace ball joints regularly. They’ll press them in straight and torque bolts to the right specs.
- Other repairs – Shops can inspect your whole front suspension and combine needed repairs like wheel bearings into one service at a bundled price.
- Warranty – Shops will often provide a short warranty on parts and labor. DIY repairs have no warranty.
- Precision alignment – Shops have dedicated alignment racks to precisely realign your Wrangler after new ball joints.
Shop around at a few repair shops to compare ball joint replacement quotes. Ask what brand parts they use and get a detailed breakdown of the quote. Avoid shops that seem unclear on pricing. You want transparency.
Dealerships will charge more for factory Mopar OEM parts and higher shop labor rates. But they also have the most expertise working specifically on Jeep Wranglers.
For the convenience and peace of mind of professional installation, paying a shop to replace your worn out Wrangler ball joints can be worth the costs. Just prepare for a bill of $260 to $670 depending on your model, location, and parts used.
Ball Joint Replacement Tips and Warnings
Here are some additional tips and warnings to keep in mind for a smooth Jeep Wrangler ball joint replacement:
- Only use a ball joint press tool to install new joints. Never hammer them in, as this will damage the joint.
- Be sure to tighten ball joint castle nuts and suspension bolts to the proper torque specs. Overtightening can crack joints.
- Always replace ball joints in pairs on the same axle. Don’t just replace one side. This keeps suspension wear even to prevent handling issues.
- Lift and properly support the front wheels off the ground. Never work under an unsupported vehicle. Jack stands are a must for safety.
- Inspect other suspension and steering components like tie rod ends while you have it apart. Replace anything else that’s badly worn.
- Have an alignment done after ball joint replacement to reset caster, camber and toe to factory specs. New joints change alignment.
- Allow adequate time for the ball joint adhesive to fully cure before harsh use. Avoid hard off-roading right after replacement.
Following the proper procedures and taking the necessary precautions goes a long way toward completing a smooth, successful DIY ball joint replacement that restores your Jeep’s handling and steering precision.
The Bottom Line on Jeep Wrangler Ball Joint Replacement
If you’ve noticed any symptoms of worn out ball joints like steering wander, uneven tire wear, or front end clunking noises in your Wrangler, it’s smart to have them inspected and replaced soon if needed. Allowing severely worn joints to fail completely can lead to dangerous loss of control.
Plan on replacing your Wrangler’s original ball joints at the 60,000-100,000 mile mark as basic preventative maintenance to keep the front suspension solid and tight. For both upper and lower joints replaced on both sides, expect to pay a total of $260 to $670 for quality parts and professional shop labor.
Doing the replacement yourself with rented tools can reduce the costs significantly, but does require some mechanical experience. Take all necessary safety precautions whenever working under your Jeep.
We hope this complete guide to Jeep Wrangler ball joint replacement costs and procedures helps you keep your suspension in top shape. Let us know if you have any other questions as you maintain your Wrangler!
