Are My Car’s Ball Joints Bad? 4 Reasons Why They Fail

It’s pretty much a given that we expect our cars to drive smoothly, be quiet, and safe. But that’s not always the case, especially when automotive parts go bad. If you notice changes in your car’s performance, be sure to note what happens and under what conditions. Things like a clunking noise or loose steering can indicate issues with the ball joints in your vehicle’s suspension system. 

What Are Ball Joints?

The front ball joints enable the front wheels to move back and forth, as well as up and down, when you turn the steering wheel while traveling over the road. When a ball joint breaks, the wheel can move in any direction, which can damage your car’s fender, tire, and other suspension components.

How Do They Work?

Ball joints are part of your car’s suspension, housed at the end of the control arms. Upper and lower ball joints serve as pivot points between the suspension and wheels. They have different locations and functions, depending on the vehicle design. Some ball joints are part of the control arm and are not replaceable. In comparison, other styles are either pressed, bolted, or riveted into place. 

Vehicles may have ball joints on both the front and rear suspension components, typically with one on the end of each tie rod in the steering system. Most front-wheel-drive vehicles have two lower ball joints on each side because the strut assembly achieves the upper pivot point. While in traditional rear-wheel drive or full-size cars, upper and lower ball joints are on each side. Most trucks still use 4 ball joints.

Upper Ball Joints

Vehicles with a double-wishbone suspension typically use upper ball joints in control arms. This arrangement helps maintain alignment and provides a sturdy pivot for vertical movement in the suspension system. Upper ball joints are commonly found in trucks and SUVs, where durability is crucial due to the vehicle’s weight. 

Lower Ball Joints

Lower ball joints (found in double-wishbone and MacPherson strut suspensions) support the vehicle’s load, steering, and handling. Generally, lower ball joints handle more stress, while upper ball joints provide additional support and contribute to the smooth pivoting motion needed for steering and suspension movement.

Why Do They Fail?

Over time, the grease in the joint is used up or dries out. A boot provides protection, but if it gets torn or damaged, water, grime, and road salts can access the joint, accelerating wear. As the joint continues to move back and forth, the precise fit of the joint develops gaps and excess movement. Too much movement in the joint results in loose steering. Eventually, the joint will make a clunking noise or pop out of place when you drive over bumps. 

Is It Safe To Drive With Bad Ball Joints?

Nope, driving with bad ball joints is highly risky and not recommended. You may experience poor vehicle control due to unpredictable steering and tire tread wear, especially during turns or when driving on wet or rough roads. Eventually, a bad ball joint may completely release from its socket. When this happens, the wheel and steering knuckle disengage from the car, resulting in catastrophic damage and possibly an accident.

4 Symptoms Of Bad Ball Joints

Ball joints are important components in your vehicle’s suspension system. Typically, when front ball joints start to go bad, your vehicle’s handling and safety are compromised. Below are a few of the most common symptoms to watch for.

1. Clunking Noise

One of the most common symptoms of a bad ball joint is a clunking noise from the front suspension. As ball joints wear out, they become loose in the socket, making a clunking sound as your suspension moves up and down. You may hear noises when driving on rough roads, going over speed bumps, or while turning. The noise may increase as the ball joints wear more, until they eventually break. If you hear clunking from your suspension system, schedule a diagnostic service to determine the cause.

2. Loose Steering

Loose steering is when your vehicle drifts from left to right without input from the steering wheel. When your ball joints are in good condition and your vehicle’s wheels are correctly aligned, a straight steering wheel will direct your car in a straight line. Worn ball joints create a sensation of loose steering, requiring you to constantly adjust the steering wheel to maintain your course.

3. Tire Tread Wear

Excess wear on your front tire tread can also signal a bad ball joint. This symptom can be challenging to detect, so check your tires carefully and pay close attention to the tread pattern. Tire tread wear from bad ball joints will appear on either the inner or the outer tread, but not both. In comparison, under-inflated tires will cause wear to both edges of your tires and leave the center tread untouched.

4. Vibrations

Vibrations from your vehicle’s suspension system are another common symptom of a bad ball joint. Worn ball joints rattle around in their sockets when your vehicle is in motion, causing a vibration you can feel from either the right or left side. In some cases, you may feel the vibration through the steering wheel.

Suspension System Maintenance

In older vehicles, all the ball joints, tie rods, and other suspension parts are re-greaseable. During most oil changes, our service technician examines those parts and adds fresh grease. Newer vehicles often have sealed ‘no maintenance’ joints that only need a brief inspection for damage during an oil change. However, they still wear with use and may require service, repairs, or replacement from time to time. Let All A’s Automotive diagnose the clunking noise or loose steering issue with your car. If your vehicle needs fresh grease or new ball joints, we are happy to help.

Schedule Service

Your vehicle’s ball joints usually last 70,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on vehicle type, driving habits, and environmental factors. Following your factory-recommended maintenance schedule can help extend their lifespan. Call us at (989) 631-4672 or visit our website to schedule your next suspension system inspection.