Parts for your 2022 Suzuki Splash-Ball joints

2022 Suzuki Splash Ball Joints — What they are and when to replace them

Ball joints are relevant and fitted to the Suzuki Splash. Technical documentation for the Splash/Opel Agila B platform specifies a MacPherson strut front suspension with a lower control arm and a lower ball joint connecting the arm to the steering knuckle. The rear suspension is a torsion beam with bushes and no ball joints.

Technical sources referenced: Suzuki Splash/Opel Agila B Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension section), Suzuki Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) listings for front lower arm/ball joint assemblies for Splash/Agila, Haynes Workshop Manual covering Opel Agila B and Suzuki Splash (2008–2015). While the Splash ceased production earlier, the same service design applies to 2022-registered or in-service vehicles.

The Splash’s front lower ball joints do the quiet hard work that keeps steering precise and ride quality tidy. Each joint forms the pivot between the lower control arm and the steering knuckle, letting the hub move up and down with bumps while still turning left and right. On Kiwi and Aussie roads, with a fair mix of city potholes and country k’s, these joints see constant load and need periodic checks.

Servicing wise, the routine is straightforward. At each service or WOF/reg inspection, a tech should check the dust boot for splits, look for grease seepage, and test for free play with the wheel lifted. Tell-tales of wear include a clunk over bumps, vague steering, feathered tyre wear on the inner or outer edges, and a steering wheel that doesn’t feel settled on the motorway. If there’s measurable play beyond the factory spec, it’s time for replacement.

Depending on variant and supplier, the Splash may have a bolt-on lower ball joint or one integrated with the control arm. Many shops prefer replacing the complete arm when the joint is integral or the arm bushes are tired—this can be cost-effective and restores geometry in one hit. After any ball joint or arm replacement, a wheel alignment is a must to keep tyres happy and steering true. Fasteners should be torqued to the manufacturer’s spec, and any single-use nuts or cotter pins replaced. Quality matters here: choosing reputable OEM-equivalent joints helps prevent premature wear and annoying squeaks under the bonnet area.

There’s no fixed change interval—service life varies with kilometres and road conditions—but it’s common to see joints last 80,000–150,000 km. If one side is worn, checking (and often replacing) the opposite side keeps the car balanced. Don’t ignore severe knocking or obvious play, a failed joint can affect steering control. A quick check at each service keeps the Splash feeling tight, safe, and ready for the next road trip.

• Front suspension: MacPherson strut with lower control arm and ball joint
• Rear suspension: Torsion beam with bushes (no ball joints)
• Always perform a wheel alignment after replacement

Popular questions about 2022 Suzuki Splash ball joints

Do Splash models have rear ball joints?
The Splash uses a torsion beam rear suspension, which relies on bushes rather than ball joints. Only the front end has lower ball joints as part of the MacPherson strut layout. That means rear-end clunks are more likely from bushes, shocks, or mounts, not rear ball joints.

How often should ball joints be replaced on a Splash?
There’s no set interval. They should be inspected at every service. Many last 80,000–150,000 km depending on roads and driving. Replace if there’s free play, torn boots, or noise. When one joint is worn, assessing the opposite side and the control arm bushes is good practice.

Can the Splash’s ball joint be replaced separately from the control arm?
It depends on the specific variant and parts used. Some Splash models have a separate bolt-on joint, others have the joint integrated with the lower arm. A quick check of the VIN in the parts catalogue or a look under the car will confirm whether a standalone joint or a full arm is required.