Dorman 538-389 Suspension Ball Joint - Front Lower

Dorman 538-389 Suspension Ball Joint

Dorman 538-389 is a threaded suspension ball joint built as a standard replacement for the original equipment on specific vehicles. It is engineered and tested for dependable suspension service, with a steel body, rubber dust boot, and bolt-in mounting design.

• Steel construction with grey finish
• Threaded design with pinch-style stud
• Dust boot included; rubber boot material
• Standard replacement suspension grade
• Mounting hardware included
• 12 mm wrench size
• No grease fitting, cotter pin, or castle nut included

OE-Style Replacement Details

This Dorman suspension ball joint, part number 538-389, is made for direct replacement service where the original joint has worn, loosened, or developed play. The assembly uses a bolt-in mounting type with three mounting holes, a 35.5 mm stud thread length, and a pinch-style stud design. It also includes a dust boot to help protect the joint from road debris and moisture. This part cross-references Gates 352803 for the same application.

What This Ball Joint Helps Address

• Front-end clunking or popping from a worn ball joint
• Excessive suspension looseness or steering play
• Uneven tire wear caused by joint wear
• Suspension noise over bumps and rough roads
• Restoring proper joint articulation in OE-style suspension service

Installation Notes

Verify vehicle application before installation, since fitment is specific and no universal year, make, or model data is listed here. Confirm the threaded design, pinch-style stud, 12 mm wrench size, and bolt-in mounting layout match the original part. Inspect the surrounding suspension components, including control arms and fasteners, before completing the repair. Fits specific vehicle applications where Dorman 538-389 is listed as the correct replacement.

Quality Assurance

Dorman states that this suspension ball joint is precision-engineered and rigorously tested to provide reliable replacement performance for the original equipment on specific vehicles. Part number 538-389 is built as a standard replacement component for suspension service.