Having a reliable car is essential, especially when it comes to daily commutes and long road trips.
One of the components required for handling and safety while driving is the ball joint. This part reflects on how well your suspension system works as well as your car’s overall stability.
However, over time, due to regular use and wear and tear, ball joints can weaken or break entirely if not serviced in time. It often results in dangerous deteriorations of controlled motion and turning capability while you’re behind the wheel.
The cost of replacing a ball joint could be under $20 each or more than $400 if it’s part of a control arm. You’ll need to account for a couple of hours of labor if you have a pro do the repair, not to mention an alignment.
In this post, we’ll share signs of bad ball joints to help you identify any impending issues so you can make necessary repairs before further damage occurs.
What Is Ball Joint In The Suspension System?
A ball joint is an essential part of the suspension in the car. In the modern car generation, all of the cars use ball joints.
Furthermore, a ball joint is a spherical bearing placed in a mechanical socket. It plays a crucial role in the car as same as the ball and socket structure in the human body.
In the car, it acts as the pivot point to connect the control arms of the car to the steering. The front ball joints allow the front wheels and suspension to move in various directions, thus providing optimal car movement.
The ball joints are hinges for the wheels on your vehicle. So if the “ball joints going bad” situation happens, the performance of the wheel will be worse, and the wheel will not fold into the finder.
The wheel will not move straight and this will have various other side effects on the performance of your car as well as the safety. So diagnosing the symptoms of a bad ball joint is necessary to save your car on time.
Function of a Ball Joint
Every vehicle has ball joints as part of its front steering and suspension system. It connects the control arm to the steering knuckle, allowing for up-and-down movement as well as side-to-side movement so that the wheels can turn correctly.
The ball joint also helps to absorb road shock while driving, providing a smoother ride experience.
Each ball joint has a ball and socket design, and a threaded stud fits into the steering knuckle. The socket is filled with grease to prevent wear, and it’s covered with a boot to keep dirt and debris out.
For vehicles with a MacPherson strut-style suspension, there’s only a lower ball joint since the strut is fastened to the upper section of the knuckle.
For other suspension types, there’s both a lower and an upper ball joint that helps keep the wheel positioned vertically as the suspension travels or the wheel turns.
Symptoms of Bad Ball Joints
The front ball joints allow back-and-forth movement of the front wheels and suspension and up and down movements during steering while driving.
There are several ways to check bad ball joints. Drivers can check the symptoms while driving or through a visual inspection by checking the overall vehicle performance.
#1. Clunking noise.
If your front suspension is making clunking noises as you drive, then you have a bad ball joint. As the ball joints wear down, they become loose in their sockets. The joints rattle and knock mostly because of the vehicle movements.
Worn-out ball joints clunk or knock when driving on speed bumps, rough roads, and when turning.
The clunking noises get louder as the wear increases until they break and completely fail. So, how long can you drive on squeaky ball joints? Not long before you cause an accident.
#2. Extreme vibrations.
If the front of your vehicle is vibrating extremely, you may have a loose or broken ball joint problem.
The vibrations can radiate your steering wheel and move from left-to-right making it less sturdy and difficult to maintain control. Listen to the vibrations and note the movements as it radiates.
You feel the vibrations in your steering wheel as they are coming from the suspension system.
When the lower ball joint is damaged or worn out, it loosens hence the vibrations. The loose ball joints continue vibrating as you drive. Any kind of shaking is a sign of a problem with the ball joints.
#3. Tire wear.
Uneven tire wear is a sign of bad ball joints. Check the interior and exterior edges of the tires for unusual or excessive wear or tire is worn out.
A cause of the alarm is when the outer and inner edges of the front tires wear out faster than other treads. This is a confirmation that you have worn-out ball joints.
Loose ball joints cause misalignment of the entire suspension leading to steering problems and making the rubber treads make inconsistent contact with the road surface or ground.
The problem can affect both tires at the same time or only one tire, depending on the number of bad ball joints.
#4. Wandering steering wheel.
Your steering wheel is only straight because the suspension alignment and ball joints are in good condition.
This makes the steering wheel straight and responsive. However, if you notice a drift in your steering wheel either to the right or left by itself, you have bad ball joints.
Wandering the steering wheel causes tire feathering and above mentioned bad joint symptoms.
As a driver, it forces you to compensate for not having suspension control. Take the vehicle to an auto shop for inspection and repair or replacement immediately. The mechanic will remove the ball joint and replace it with a new one.
#5. Suspension damage.
A worn-out suspension can lock up, which means the suspension can’t absorb shocks from bumps and rough roads when driving. Ball joints usually compensate for the normal motion which due to the wear are transferred to the suspension.
Other suspension components can’t absorb the increased force and motion because of bad ball joints causing damage to the suspension.
The damage starts with the control arm bushings, which are rubber and easily damaged. The damage to the control arm bushings causes the vehicle to shake at high speeds and on rough roads.
#6. Loss of control of the steering.
Severe wear of ball joints causes complete breakage of your suspension, and the wheels move in different directions. Ball joints can break in different ways, causing you to lose control of the steering.
Your wheel can break off at the steering knuckle or control arm. Watch out for the uneven car movement and take action because failure will cause an accident.
Causes of a Bad Ball Joint
Ball joints gradually wear out over time, but several factors can speed up their deterioration. While some causes are unavoidable, understanding what damages ball joints can help you troubleshoot.
- Normal Wear and Tear: Every time you drive, your ball joints flex and pivot thousands of times. This constant movement naturally wears down the ball and socket surfaces over time, typically after 70,000 to 150,000 miles of driving.
- Lack of Lubrication: Many modern ball joints are “sealed for life” but can still dry out. Older serviceable joints need periodic greasing. Without proper lubrication, metal-on-metal contact increases friction and accelerates wear.
- Road Conditions: Frequently driving on rough roads, hitting potholes, or traveling on unpaved surfaces puts extra stress on ball joints. Each impact forces the joint to absorb more movement than normal driving.
- Heavy Loads: Regularly carrying heavy cargo or towing above your vehicle’s rated capacity puts additional strain on ball joints. The extra weight increases the force on these components, leading to faster wear.
- Environmental Damage: Salt from winter roads, water, and road debris can damage the protective boot. Once the boot is compromised, contaminants enter the joint and act like sandpaper between the ball and socket.
- Poor Previous Repairs: Incorrectly installed ball joints or using low-quality replacement parts can cause premature failure. This includes improper torqueing during installation or misaligned components.
- Vehicle Modifications: Lowering your vehicle, major changes to camber, or installing larger wheels and tires changes suspension geometry. These modifications can place unusual stresses on ball joints they weren’t designed to handle.
Consequences of a Bad Ball Joint
If left unchecked, a bad ball joint can have serious consequences for the vehicle’s safety and performance. Some potential consequences include:
- Loss of control: A bad ball joint can cause the vehicle to lose control or stability, especially during turns or braking.
- Increased risk of accidents: A bad ball joint can increase the risk of accidents, especially if the vehicle’s suspension system is compromised.
- Reduced fuel efficiency: A bad ball joint can cause the vehicle’s suspension system to work harder, leading to reduced fuel efficiency.
- Increased maintenance costs: A bad ball joint can lead to additional maintenance costs, including repairs and replacements.
It is important to address a bad ball joint as soon as possible to prevent these consequences.
How Mechanics Diagnose Ball Joint Failure?
Professional mechanics use several methods to confirm ball joint problems and determine if replacement is needed. While you might notice symptoms while driving, mechanics perform specific tests to pinpoint the issue.
Visual Inspection
First, mechanics look for obvious signs of problems. They check for torn or damaged boots, rust, leaking grease, and any visible looseness. They’ll also examine tire wear patterns that might indicate ball joint issues.
Jack and Support Test
After safely lifting and supporting the vehicle, mechanics perform these checks:
- Use a pry bar to check for movement between the ball joint and control arm
- Grasp the tire at 12 and 6 o’clock positions to feel for play
- Check if the wheel moves in and out at the top and bottom
- Listen for clicking or grinding when moving suspension components
Wheel Play Test
With the vehicle’s weight still on the suspension, mechanics:
- Grab the tire at 9 and 3 o’clock positions
- Rock the wheel back and forth
- Check for excessive movement or clunking sounds
- Compare movement to manufacturer specifications
Test Drive
To confirm the diagnosis, mechanics:
- Drive the vehicle to verify customer complaints
- Listen for noises over bumps and during turns
- Feel for vibrations or steering issues
- Test the vehicle’s behavior at different speeds
After these tests, mechanics can determine if immediate replacement is needed or if the ball joints can safely last a bit longer. They’ll also check related components since bad ball joints often affect other suspension parts.
How Is the Ball Joint Replaced?
When to Replace a Ball Joint?
A ball joint should be replaced when it shows signs of excessive wear or damage. This might be indicated by symptoms such as unusual noises from the suspension, abnormal tire wear, vibrations, or steering issues, as mentioned in the previous section.
A professional mechanic can confirm the issue through a physical inspection, checking for play in the joint or a damaged boot.
The Process of Replacing a Ball Joint
It takes an hour to replace a ball joint, and compared to other mechanical repairs, it is not a very challenging issue. To replace the ball joints in your car, follow these simple steps:
- By parking on a level place and locking the wheels, you can prepare the car and the work area.
- Make use of a jack to raise your car.
- Check the ball joints quickly to see whether they need to be replaced.
- Check the owner’s manual for your car to make sure you have the right kind of ball joints installed. To ensure that the new and old ball joints are identical, you can always compare them. You can locate a copy of your vehicle’s owner manual online or ask your mechanic to print one for you if you don’t already have one.
- The wheel with the bad ball joint should be removed.
- It is advised you use a PB blaster or WD-40 to clean all the nuts before attaching the new ball joint.
- Install the new ball joint after removing the old one.
- Drop your car and have a test drive.
- As you listen, keep an eye out for any of the aforementioned bad ball joint indications. If you observed any of the aforementioned symptoms, your suspension system either has another faulty ball joint or you did not install it properly.
How Long Does a Ball Joint Last?
Generally, the ball joint can last up to 70,000 to 150,000 miles.
However, this lifespan depends on the road and weather conditions as well as your driving habits. For example, driving on rough roads can stress the suspension and cause the ball joints to wear out faster than driving in the city.
Note: Maintaining your shock absorbers is one way to ensure the ball joint lasts longer, especially on rough roads.
Worn-out shock absorbers can also lead to premature wear of the suspension components, such as the tie rod end, CV joints, control arm bushings, and ball joints.
Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is key to extending the life of the ball joint and preventing premature failure. Here are some tips to help you maintain your ball joint:
- Regular inspections: Regularly inspect the ball joint and surrounding components for any signs of wear and tear or damage.
- Proper lubrication: Properly lubricate the ball joint to reduce wear and tear.
- Avoid harsh driving conditions: Avoid driving in harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures or off-road driving, to reduce the risk of damage to the ball joint.
By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your ball joint and prevent premature failure.
Ball Joint Replacement Cost
The good news is, if you need new ball joints for your vehicle, you shouldn’t break the bank. If you have a mechanic replace these parts for you, you can expect to pay approximately $250 to $350.
About $200 to $300 of that total is part of the labor, but if you think you can take it on yourself, you might want to reconsider. You are going to need a ball joint press to push out and install the new ball joint, which I doubt a lot of home mechanics have on hand.
If you are going to take it on yourself, your best better is replacing the entire component, usually costing the same as a mechanic replacing just the ball joint for you.
FAQs.
Q: Is it bad to drive your car with a bad ball joint?
If you suspect you have a bad ball joint or it’s worn out, take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic immediately. Never ignore ball joint problems as they can tear apart your suspension, making you’re to lose control of the vehicle when driving.
So, it’s unwise to drive your car when the ball joint is broken or bad. Replace the broken ball joint for safety and to improve your driving experience. A rule of thumb is to replace the ball joints after driving 70,000-150,000 miles.
Liaise with your mechanic to address the problem promptly before more damage occurs on your wheel alignment, steering wheel, or suspensions.
Q: What happens when a ball joint goes bad?
Ball joints keep the tires running flat against the road and the suspensions moving in an upward and downward motion.
So, if there is a bad ball joint, the following things will happen:
Wheels move in unpredictable directions resulting in uneven tire wear. Therefore, you will replace your tires more frequently.
The suspension is damaged when your ball joints lock up, which means the motion it absorbs is not eliminated, forcing it to be transferred to other suspension components that can’t withstand the added motion like the control arm bushings.
Since the control arm bushings are rubber, your vehicle experiences increased wear of control arm bushings, and replacing them is costly. Ball joint breakage can have catastrophic results on the road when driving.
The breakage happens when the stud breaks or the ball detaches from its socket making the wheel move in an uncontrollable direction and can turn outward or slam against the fender dragging the tire on the road.
You run into a safety inspection problem with your state. If you live in a state that requires annual vehicle inspection, then a bad ball joint can mean trouble. No state in the USA will allow a vehicle with a faulty suspension component.
Q: When should ball joints be replaced?
Replace the ball joints when the vehicle exceeds a mileage of 70,000 to 150,000 in the absence of any defects.
You can replace the ball joints when you hear clunking noise or extreme vibrations when driving. The ball joint is difficult to see and is vital to a smooth driving experience.
Ball joints connect your wheel and the suspension for efficient movement. To know when to replace the ball joints, understand the symptoms of bad ball joints like uneven tire wear.
Car tires have a set lifespan and should not wear out easily before that time. If only one set of tires is wearing out while the rest are in great conditions or only a single tire is damaged, then you have a ball joint that is overdue for replacement.
If the steering wheel is wandering or experiences extreme vibrations, it means the ball joints are worn out, causing too much movement in the suspension system.
The loose suspension makes the vehicle wander instead of going straight. Replace the ball joints when you have any of the symptoms.
Q: What does a worn ball joint sound like?
You feel extreme vibrations on your steering wheel or through the floor as you drive. You hear squeaking noise when driving over speed bumps or rough roads.
The squeaking noise is caused by the rattling of the ball joints as your suspension moves up and down while driving.
It’s the sound of a worn-out rubber boot that protects the grease fitting; hence the ball joint squeaks. This sound gets louder as the wear continues until you replace the ball joints. Always be sensitive to any abnormal noise.
Final Thoughts
There is much to learn about the vehicle, and it can overwhelm you if you have limited knowledge. Check the built-in ball joints wear indicators for proper diagnosis. The wear indicators have a movable grease fitting, making it easier to diagnose loose ball joints.
Replace the ball joints the moment you see a flush below the ball joint housing or in the collar of the grease fitting. Every part of the vehicle undergoes wear and tear, and it manifests differently.
The ball joints are there to ensure the tires flush against the rough road as the suspension moves around.
Ball joints need replacements when they wear out to avoid compromising your steering and driving experience. Failure to replace the ball joints causes damage to your suspension and other components and makes the vehicle prone to accidents which can be fatal.