Parts for your 2018 Subaru Exiga-Ball joints

Understanding Ball Joints on the 2018 Subaru Exiga

The 2018 Subaru Exiga is a spacious and practical vehicle designed with a focus on comfort, safety, and versatility. When looking under the hood and under the chassis, many car owners might wonder whether ball joints are part of its suspension setup. Ball joints are common components in many vehicles, playing a crucial role in the connection between the suspension and steering parts. However, in the case of the 2018 Subaru Exiga, ball joints do feature in the front suspension, so understanding their purpose and maintenance is important for any owner looking after their vehicle's handling and safety.

Ball joints are pivotal components in many car suspensions, especially those using a double-wishbone or control arm design. They act as a pivot point between the control arms and the steering knuckles. This pivoting action allows the wheels to move up and down independently while also enabling steering movement left or right. Essentially, ball joints help maintain solid wheel alignment and suspension geometry, which directly impacts ride comfort, steering precision, and tyre wear.

On the 2018 Subaru Exiga, the front suspension uses lower control arms connected to the steering knuckles via ball joints. These ball joints allow for the necessary articulation as the suspension travels over bumps and the wheels turn with steering input. Although the Exiga's suspension set-up doesn't commonly feature upper ball joints in the front as seen in some other vehicle types, the lower ball joints are essential for proper suspension performance.

Here's a simple way to think about it: driving without properly functioning ball joints would be like trying to steer a shopping trolley with a broken wheel joint. This would make the vehicle unstable and difficult to handle, posing serious safety risks. For this reason, Subaru designs the ball joints to be robust, but like all mechanical parts, they aren't immune to wear and tear over time.

So what should Subaru Exiga owners know about ball joint maintenance and replacement? The truth is, ball joints don't usually require routine replacement like oil filters or spark plugs. Instead, they are considered a long-life component, designed to last tens of thousands of kilometres under normal driving conditions. However, their lifespan depends on various factors like driving style, road conditions, and exposure to dirt, water, and corrosion.

During regular servicing, it's good practice for mechanics to check the condition of ball joints as part of the suspension inspection. This involves a visual examination, checking for any signs of torn dust boots, corrosion, or excessive play in the joints. A ball joint with a damaged dust boot can allow dirt and moisture inside, accelerating wear. Play or looseness in a ball joint will often show up during a hands-on inspection or when listening for clunking noises while driving over bumps.

Owners might notice symptoms indicating ball joint wear such as uneven tyre wear, vibrations in the steering wheel, or unusual noises when turning or going over rough surfaces. Catching these symptoms early is crucial because a failed ball joint can lead to loss of steering control, which is dangerous and costly to fix.

If the ball joints on a 2018 Subaru Exiga require replacement, it's usually best to leave the job to qualified mechanics, especially since specialised tools and proper wheel alignment equipment are needed. Replacement involves detaching the worn ball joint from the control arm and steering knuckle, then pressing in a new one, followed by realigning the wheels to ensure proper handling and tyre wear.

In terms of costs, ball joint replacement can vary depending on parts and labour rates, but it's a worthwhile investment for safety and smooth driving. Ignoring worn ball joints can lead to more severe suspension damage down the track, so timely attention avoids bigger repair bills.

To extend the life of the ball joints on the Exiga, owners should avoid potholes and rough terrain where possible, keep tyres properly inflated, and follow a regular servicing schedule. While Subaru's engineering provides durable ball joints, a little care can go a long way in maintaining those crisp, safe handling characteristics the Exiga is known for.

All up, ball joints play a quiet but vital role in the 2018 Subaru Exiga's suspension system. Understanding their purpose and recognising when they need attention helps keep this versatile family wagon safe and comfortable on the road.