Ball joints are critical components as part of your vehicle’s suspension and steering systems. They connect the steering knuckle or control arms to the vehicle and allow smooth pivoting as you drive. Over time, the grease inside can dry out or leak through a torn boot, causing squeaks or clunks. They can even break if not tended to.
The good news? Lubricating ball joints is a simple service that can save a lot of money in the long run. You can silence squeaks, improve ride quality and extend the life of your suspension.
For accurate prices for your exact car and location, use a repair quote tool like the one in the Jerry app.
Real customers Jerry has helped
Costs for lubricating ball joints depends on your exact vehicle, where you live and the parts used. With Jerry, you can quickly see what drivers are paying right now. Below are real examples of customers we’ve helped secure top prices for their ball joint lubrication.
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
Cost breakdown: Why the price varies
Each day, Jerry helps customers find good prices on car repairs, and found the most common reasons prices can vary:
Vehicle design:
Trucks and SUVs often have serviceable joints with grease fittings. Easy access makes lubrication quicker and cheaper.
Compact cars more often use a sealed ball joint, which means lubrication is not recommended.
Shop type:
Dealerships charge a higher labor rate for services in general, so ask if lubrication is included with maintenance services.
Independent shops typically offer this service at a lower hourly rate and often include lubrication with scheduled maintenance services.
Bundling other services:
Adding this service while the vehicle is already being lifted for a brake inspection, oil change or suspension service reduces labor cost.
Lubrication method:
Standard grease gun application is fast and inexpensive, but for vehicles with non-serviceable ball joints, a mechanic may use needle-tip injection to pierce the boot of the joint and add grease to the non-servicable joint. Note that this method should only be used to get by until the joint can be replaced, as the grease WILL leak out.
What is ball joint lubrication?
A ball joint consists of a metal ball in the socket joint that allows pivoting movement in the suspension and steering. They are packed with grease to minimize friction over time in service. Lubrication reduces wear in the joint, prevents squeaks and clunks from a worn socket and extends service life—a properly lubricated joint can last tens of thousands of miles.
How can I tell if my ball joints need to be lubricated?
Jerry customers have learned that symptoms of dry or failing ball joints include:
- Squeaking or creaking when turning.
- Clunking noises over bumps.
- Very loose steering or wandering while driving.
- Visible wear—cracked or missing grease boots.
Pro tip: If your car makes squeaking noises mainly at lower speeds, like when parking, ball joint lubrication may help. Use the Jerry app to run a diagnostic and see if you need to take it into the shop.
I still quoted the replacements for future reference, but I was able to alleviate the concern with lubrication alone. However, if the customer just ignored the noise, it could have caused a premature failure—so it was a good thing they brought it in.
Related repairs
Sometimes lubrication isn’t enough for our customers—the joint itself may be worn.
- Ball joint replacement: $300–$750 per pair (parts + labor).
- Control arm replacement (with ball joint attached): $400–$900.
- Grease boot replacement: $80–$150 if only the protective boot is torn.
A good mechanic will inspect all joints for wear and make recommendations as needed, so use the Jerry app to find a highly-rated shop in your area. Non-serviceable ball joints can be replaced with quality aftermarket serviceable ball joints.
DIY vs. Pro
Whether you want to do it yourself or leave it to a pro, Jerry can help give you pricing transparency around parts and shop labor. Here is what to consider when deciding whether to DIY this repair.
What our customers are asking
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Do all ball joints need lubrication?
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How often should I lubricate my ball joints?
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Can lubricating ball joints fix suspension noises?
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What kind of grease should I use?
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Is ball joint lubrication included in an oil change service?
Jerel Lawrence is an experienced and certified automotive technician with a strong foundation in diagnostics, repair and technical mentorship. A graduate of NASCAR Technical Institute in 2010, Jerel began his career at national automotive repair chain locations, where he earned eight certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
From 2017 to 2022, he worked as a General Motors-certified technician at a Cadillac dealership, refining his skills in manufacturer-specific diagnostics and service procedures. Today, Jerel leads as the senior technician and mentor at a family-owned repair facility, where he helps guide the next generation of technicians while ensuring top-quality service.
In addition to hands-on work, Jerel contributes to the automotive community through writing detailed articles and answering technical questions to help vehicle owners better understand and care for their cars.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
