Your car’s suspension system is a very important part of the vehicle, and one of the most crucial components is the ball joints. The ball joints are what connects the control arm to the wheel hub and allow for up and down movement of the suspension, as well as turning of the wheels. Learn what are the bad ball joints symptoms.
Over time, however, ball joints can wear out, causing a number of issues. One symptom of failing ball joints is unusual tire wear. If you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly or prematurely, it could be a sign that your ball joints are not functioning properly.
Another symptom of bad ball joints is a rattling noise coming from the suspension. If you hear a rattling noise when driving over bumps or making turns, it could be a sign that the ball joint is starting to fail. The rattling noise is caused by the loose ball joint knocking against other parts of the suspension.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common symptoms of bad ball joints, along with the dangers and costs related to the issue.
What are Ball Joints?
Ball joints are made of two parts; a ball and a socket. The ball is connected to the control arm, while the socket is connected to the wheel hub. Ball joints allow for up and down movement of the suspension, as well as turning of the wheels.
Over time, however, ball joints can wear out. Worn ball joints can cause a number of problems, including premature tire wear, suspension noise, and difficulty steering. They are a crucial part of the suspension system, and if they fail, they can result in a loss of control of the vehicle.
7 Symptoms of Bad Ball Joints
The following are seven symptoms that can indicate that your ball joints need to be replaced:
1. Clunking Noises from the Front Suspension
You might get an indication that your ball joints are going bad if you hear clunking noises coming from the front suspension. The noise is caused by the loose ball joint knocking against other parts of the suspension. The noise might be more pronounced when driving over bumps or making turns.
2. Excessive Vibration from the Front of the Vehicle
As the ball joints start to fail, you might notice that there is an increase in vibration coming from the front of the vehicle. This is caused by the wheels being able to move independently of each other and can be quite noticeable at higher speeds.
This is possible because of the fact that ball joints allow the suspension to move up and down, as well as side to side. However, if they are worn out, this movement can be excessive, leading to increased vibration.
3. Uneven Wear on Front Tires
A clearer symptom of bad ball joints is uneven wear on the front tires. This can be caused by the fact that, as the ball joints fail, the wheels can start to wobble. This can cause the tires to wear down prematurely and unevenly.
If you notice this symptom, having your vehicle inspected as soon as possible is important, as it can lead to decreased traction and a loss of control of the vehicle.
Related Code: U0126 Code – Lost Communication with Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM)
4. Steering Wheel Wandering to the Left or Right
You may also notice that your steering wheel starts to wander to the left or right when you are driving. This is caused by the fact that, as the ball joints fail, the wheels can start to move independently of each other.
This can make it difficult to keep the vehicle going straight, and can be especially dangerous at higher speeds.
5. Wear Indicator Status
If you have a wear indicator on your ball joints, it’s important to check it regularly. The wear indicator is a small metal tab that protrudes from the ball joint. As the ball joint wears, the tab will start to become flush with the rest of the ball joint.
This is an indication that the ball joint needs to be replaced, and if you ignore it, the ball joint can fail completely.
6. Inability to Maintain or Set Tire Alignment
If taken to an alignment specialist, they may tell you that your alignment is fine but the problem persists. Worn ball joints can cause the wheels to move independently of each other, making it difficult to maintain or set tire alignment.
7. Separation of the Wheel Hub
In extreme cases, the ball joint can fail completely, causing the wheel hub to separate from the control arm. This can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and is extremely dangerous.
Dangers of Worn Ball Joints
Bad ball joints can pose a danger while driving and lead to a number of problems that can be dangerous.
- Worn ball joints can cause the tires to wear down prematurely and unevenly. This can lead to decreased traction and a loss of control of the vehicle.
- They can also make it difficult to keep the vehicle going straight, and can be especially dangerous at higher speeds.
- In extreme cases, the ball joint can fail completely, causing the wheel hub to separate from the control arm. This can lead to a complete loss of control of the vehicle and is extremely dangerous.
How Much Does a Ball Joint Cost to Replace?
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the cost to replace a ball joint can range from $100 to $300. This does not include the cost of labor, which can range from $50 to $100 per hour.
Also Read: Best Ball Joints In 2022 (Reviews and Comparison)
Conclusion
Bad ball joints can cause a number of problems that can be dangerous while driving. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. Replacing worn-out ball joints is essential to maintaining the safety of your vehicle.
If you liked this article about bad ball joints symptoms, consider checking out these other articles below —
