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Precision engineering

Enabling free movement in two planes at the same time, the ball-pin is a critical component. That’s why our ball-pins are manufactured from high-grade steel and machined to micron tolerances. Together with a polyoxymethylene nylon ball-pin seat, they provide optimum durability and smooth joint operation.

Extensive testing

Delphi ball joints undergo rigorous performance tests including angular stress testing, where the ball is rotated through its angular and rotational travel under load, as well as a pull and push out test, to measure the force required for it to break away from the housing. These important safety tests ensure the ball joint can withstand the same forces as the OE part.

Longer service intervals

We provide a range of sealed ball joints, that are lubed for life with a high-specification grease, to minimise maintenance requirements. Alongside our precision ball-pin finish and improved rubber boot design, they offer longer ball joint service intervals and better grease retention.

Greater protection

To help prevent damage to the joint’s internal components, all our ball joints come with a special chloroprene rubber cover. The new and improved formula maintains its durability even in extreme temperatures, providing added protection from road dirt or salt and allowing continued free movement of the ball joint for a longer lasting part.

Three-year warranty – available in UK

As a guarantee of our OE-quality standards, we offer a three-year or 36,000-mile warranty on all our ball joints. So, you can fit Delphi steering parts with complete confidence.

Cataphoretic coating

Like many of our steering parts, Delphi ball joints feature an environmentally friendly cataphoretic coating for tougher and longer lasting protection from corrosion caused by salt, dirt and water and other contaminants.

Tech Tip

Delphi is advising technicians to help ensure a quality steering and suspension repair by replacing the entire ball joint component where the rubber boot is split, cracked, damaged or missing. In these instances, there is a high probability that damage to the ball joint may have occurred, indicating the joint is likely to fail even after the boot cover has been replaced. Replacing the entire ball joint component can help avoid potential premature failure, which can be safety-critical and costly.

By replacing the boot only and not the complete ball joint unit, the rubber boot could potentially seal in the damaging substances the joint has been exposed to, resulting in accelerated rust and corrosive damage to the joint. In addition, the ball joint is designed to operate with a grease lubricant.

A defective boot could lead to a loss of this essential lubrication, as it may be washed away with water, dry out or become coated with dirt and other debris.

The Delphi Difference

100 years of OE experience, supplier to the world’s top automakers
OE heritage and knowledge built into every aftermarket part
Comprehensive portfolio for a wide range of vehicles and model years
Streamlined SKUs for easy inventory management
Support through tools, tips and training

Related product resources and downloads

1 min read

How to calibrate air suspension

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Maintenance Solutions Steering & Suspension How to Technicians 1 min read

Resource Highlights

We all want a smooth ride when driving, and an air suspension system offers many benefits for reducing noise, vibration and discomfort. Like many in-vehicle systems, calibration is needed from time to time, especially when a part is replaced.

Watch the video below to follow our Delphi expert as he takes you through the steps needed to calibrate the air suspension on a BMW X5.

Although the procedure is fairly straightforward, there are some essential ‘watch-outs’ which we cover in the video, including:

• A vehicle having full or part air suspension
• The difference between static and dynamic calibrations
• The vehicle status when running the calibration

Will the suspension system be the same for all four wheels?

Not necessarily. Some air suspension vehicles can have full air springs (front and rear), or have a mix of coil springs and air springs (one front, the other rear).

When do I need to perform a height calibration on the air suspension system?

The calibration would normally be performed after completing one of two jobs:

1. An air spring replacement
2. A damaged height sensor replacement

What’s the difference between a static calibration and a dynamic calibration?

Some vehicles will only require a static height calibration which can be completed in the workshop. However, some models will need a static calibration and then also a dynamic one, which is performed whilst the vehicle is being driven on the road.

Before I run the calibration, is there anything I need to do?

You need to ensure that after completing a replacement job on an air spring or height sensor, the air system of the vehicle is refilled. You do this by running the function ‘Filling the bellows’ using the Delphi BlueTech VCI diagnostic tool.

After that, head into the ‘Body control’ module. Go into ‘Adaptations and calibrations’ subsection and run the function ‘Height level adjustment.’

Why is it important to be out of the vehicle when running the calibration?

The vehicle’s load must not change during the calibration. So, if anyone was sat in the vehicle, any movement would adjust the vehicle’s height, disrupting the calibration. Follow manufacturers instructions, for example weighting the car correctly, ensuring it is on level ground with the steering wheel straight and the tyre pressure set correctly for the procedure to be successful with no inconsistencies.

Should I plug in an EV vehicle when calibrating the air suspension?

On an EV enabling ‘Ready’ mode or similar will ensure that the DCDC converter will support the low voltage battery. If this isn’t possible, it’s a good idea to ensure that you have battery support attached, so that there’s no drop in voltage during calibration.