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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

Steering & Suspension 1 min read

How to replace the front lower arms on a Tesla Model S

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Maintenance Solutions Steering & Suspension How to Technicians 1 min read

Resource Highlights

The lower arm on a vehicle’s suspension system is designed to hold the road wheel in place. If this part fails, the wheel – while still attached – can drift dangerously out of alignment. Get some tips on replacing the front lower arms on a TESLA Model S with this handy how-to guide from the Delphi experts. We’ll show you:

• The correct steps to replace the front lower arms

• The equipment you’ll need to perform a replacement

• The most common reason why the lower arms fail in TESLA Model S

Should I replace both lower arms?

Yes. If the front arms fail while driving, it can cause the road wheel to move within the wheel arch. This means that it is more difficult for the driver to control the vehicle. For this reason it makes sense to replace both arms.

What happens if the front lower arm isn’t replaced?

If the front lower arm isn’t replaced, the wheel drifts and can strike the back or front of the wheel arch, potentially damaging components which are found in that region such as the brake line or even the coolant pipes and cabling for the high-voltage battery in electric vehicles.

How do I remove the bolt from the bottom arm of the suspension in a TESLA Model S?

One of the bolts in the bottom arm cannot be removed conventionally without removing the high-voltage battery – a task that costs valuable time and effort. The manufacturer actually recommends cutting off the bolt in this situation. Tip: Depending on the year of production TESLA changed the bolt orientation, on some newer vehicles in may be in the correct way and not need cutting.

What do I need to remember before finally tightening the bolts on the replacement part?

Put some upward force on the bottom arm before tightening and torquing the bolts. This is done to simulate the vehicle weight which will be placed on it when it is lowered back to the ground. Push up the bottom arm to achieve that effect. Note: Not doing this crucial part may lead to premature failure of the lower arm bushes.