The ball joint is a vital suspension component that stabilizes your car on uneven roads with bumps and dips. But as you drive, dirt and grit can enter the socket joints and wear them out over time.
So, how can you tell if you have a bad ball joint?
Read on to explore the seven signs of a bad ball joint and how to inspect it. We’ll also discuss the causes of failure so you can take the necessary preventative measures.
This Article Contains
- 7 Bad Ball Joint Symptoms to Look Out For
- How to Inspect the Ball Joint
- What Causes Ball Joint Failure?
- How Long Does a Ball Joint Last?
- 3 FAQs about Ball Joints
7 Bad Ball Joint Symptoms to Look Out For
The ball joint in your suspension system connects the wheel hub to the control arms and the steering knuckle. This allows the wheel hub to move up and down over bumps, as well as left and right when you turn the steering wheel.
Here are several symptoms that can indicate its failure:
1. Rattling or Clunking Noise
The first sign of bad ball joints may be a rattling or clunking noise from the front suspension, especially when driving over a speed bump or turning. These unusual clunking noises occur when the ball joints thin out or their grease fittings dry up, causing the studs to knock against the socket walls.
If there’s dirt or grime lodged inside the socket joints, you might hear a squeaking noise instead.
2. Cabin Vibration
Bad ball joints can also cause excessive vibration in the cabin when driving. This vibration is called a front-end shimmy, in which only the frontal parts of your car (cabin, steering wheel, front seats, and brake pedal) shake.
So, what causes this vibration?
Worn-out ball joints with a thinned-out metal ball can create excessive vibration, even when you drive on a smooth, straight road.
3. Unresponsive Steering System
If your ball joints have gone bad, your steering wheel may feel stiff (due to grime build-up inside the joint) or sloppy (because of a loose ball joint). When this happens, you’ll find it difficult to control the steering wheel when turning.
Meanwhile, if the ball joints are in good condition, your steering wheel will feel tight, and the wheels will immediately respond to every turn.
4. Steering Wander
If you have a damaged ball joint, you’ll notice your car drifting or pulling to one side as you drive on a straight road or over bumps. This is called steering wander.
That’s because a damaged ball joint causes the suspension and steering system to become imbalanced, changing the wheel alignment. This makes it challenging to drive your car on a fixed path.
5. Uneven Tire Wear
Bad ball joints can also result in uneven tire wear. The extra movement or play caused by a loose ball joint can put additional stress on the tires, causing uneven wear.
But that’s not all.
You’ll notice that tire wear occurs faster in the front wheels. Your tires may also show signs of tire cupping — where the inner and outer edges wear out faster than the middle part of your tires.
6. Thinned-Out Wear Indicators
The wear indicator is a small stud found on older ball joint models — especially those with a grease fitting or pin.
This pin sticks out from the joint and sinks into it at the same rate as the joint deteriorates. To inspect the wear indicator, you’ll need to get under your car and observe the ball joint.
If you see the pin fully sunken inside the ball joint, it’s time to change it.
7. Misaligned or Damaged Suspension Parts
You should also look for damaged suspension parts while checking the wear indicators.
For instance, scrape marks and rust on the suspension components (tie rod end, control arm bushings, etc.) can mean they have come in contact with rough road surfaces (such as a speed bump or pothole). Although such marks can occur due to accidents, they could also indicate wear in the ball joint.
Most of these symptoms can overlap with other car suspension issues. So, you’ll need a professional mechanic to determine if the ball joint is causing it.
So, let’s check out how they would do it.
How to Inspect the Ball Joint
Here’s how a mechanic will check your vehicle for worn-out ball joints:
- Jack up the car and secure it with stands. This will make it easier for them to reach under your vehicle for a visual inspection of the suspension system.
- Next, assess the tires and look for signs of uneven wear. They’ll check for irregular tread wear in the front tires.
- Next, they’ll rock the tire back and forth to test the ball joints’ play. A new ball joint wouldn’t cause excessive play or unusual noises as the tire moves.
Two different outcomes indicate ball joint wear:
- Squeaking noise and play from the bottom: There’s a problem with the lower ball joint.
- Squeaking noise and play from the top: The upper ball joint needs attention.
- Once that’s done, the mechanic will remove the tires to access the suspension system. They’ll conduct a visual inspection of the ball joints to look for:
- Signs of corrosion
- Grease leaks
- Rubber boot damage, etc.
Finally, the mechanic will replace the faulty ball joint.
Note: A ball joint replacement typically involves replacing ball joints on both the left and right sides. That’s because when one side shows signs of wear, the other is usually not far behind.
Next, find out why these ball joints fail.
What Causes Ball Joint Failure?
Like any other suspension component, your car’s ball joints are susceptible to wear and tear.
Here’s a list of reasons why your ball joints may be wearing out:
- Rough driving conditions
- Vehicle weight
- General wear and tear
- Corrosion
- Dirt, grit, and other impurities
- Lack of ball joint lubrication
- Not keeping up with regular car maintenance
- Ignoring early signs of ball joint failure
Although you can’t avoid some of these factors, it’s always wise to have a mechanic regularly check your car’s ball joints, especially if you suspect something is wrong with them.
Now that we’ve covered the symptoms, diagnosis, and causes of a bad ball joint, let’s explore its average lifespan.
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.
Still have concerns about your car’s ball joints?
Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
3 FAQs about Ball Joints
Here are the answers to three commonly asked questions about ball joints:
1. What Are the Different Types of Ball Joints?
There are two types of ball joints that connect the tire to the suspension system — the upper and lower ball joints.
The upper ball joint maintains the wheel alignment, aids in turning, and allows the steering knuckle to turn. It’s called the non-load-bearing joint (or followers) and is smaller than the lower joint.
The lower ball joint carries most of the car’s frontal weight and is called the load-bearing joint. This is also the reason why it wears out faster.
2. Can You Drive With Worn Ball Joints?
No, you should never drive with a worn ball joint.
Driving with a bad ball joint can:
- Compromise steering control
- Damage your vehicle’s suspension
- Increase the risk of accidents
A faulty ball joint can also cause the stud to detach from its housing, resulting in an immediate loss of vehicle control. In severe cases, ball joint failure may cause the suspension to collapse entirely, leading to the wheel coming off.
3. How Can You Find the Right Ball Joint for Your Vehicle?
Consider these factors when choosing a replacement ball joint:
- Compatibility with the vehicle: Choose ball joints designed for your vehicle’s make and model to avoid compatibility issues and ensure optimal performance. Ball joints also vary in mounting styles — press-in, threaded, and bolt-on — each with specific installation and compatibility requirements. Refer to your owner’s manual to select the appropriate ball joint based on your car’s mounting style.
- Quality and durability: High-quality ball joints may cost more upfront, but they last longer and provide smoother rides. You should invest in reputable brands for better longevity and performance of your suspension components.
Say Goodbye to Bad Ball Joints with AutoNation Mobile Service
Ball joints are vital to your vehicle’s suspension and provide a smooth driving experience. But if they wear out, you risk losing vehicle control, and your wheels might potentially fall off.
So, if you’re experiencing symptoms of faulty ball joints, it’s best to get a professional like AutoNation Mobile Service to address it.
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance solution, offering easy online bookings and a 12-month|12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.