Ball joints are a key component of a vehicle’s suspension system. Ball joints attach the control arms to the steering knuckle, allowing the wheels to turn freely when turning. Ball joints also contribute to maintaining correct wheel alignment and a stable vehicle. Due to the stresses of daily use, such as roads and everyday driving, ball joints can fail after years of service. Symptoms of ball joint failure typically start off small and are easily missed. By recognizing these symptoms early, drivers may be able to save money from costly repairs, as well as avoid unsafe handling characteristics of their vehicle. An inspection of your vehicle’s suspension at a Auto Repair in Laurel, MD service like Thoroughbred Auto Care will allow you to determine if there are any potential problems with your vehicle’s suspension prior to becoming serious.
Unusual Clunking Sounds from the Suspension
When a car’s ball joints begin to wear out, the first sign that there is an issue with them is often a “clunking” sound coming from the front suspension. This sound typically occurs while you are traveling over speed bumps or uneven roads. However, this sound may also occur when you pull into your driveway, or when you travel through a pothole. The reason why this clunking occurs is because of the excessive amount of movement created by a worn ball joint in the socket.
Steering That Feels Loose or Unpredictable
Damaged ball joints will also cause the steering wheel to feel less accurate when making turns. Drivers experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms should schedule an inspection with Thoroughbred Auto Care to see if the ball joints, or any other part of the steering system, need to be repaired.
Uneven Tyre Wear That Develops Without Warning
Tyre wear may show you when your car has a problem with its suspension. Ball joints that are worn will cause your wheels to be out of alignment, causing unwanted motion in the suspension. As a result, you will see uneven tyre wear over time. You may notice increased wear on the outside edges of tyres, or strange wear patterns on the treads of your tyres. A trained mechanic will be able to determine what is causing the wear and help prevent you from replacing your tyres too soon.
Vibrations and Changes in Vehicle Stability
The shaking of the steering wheel and/or front of the vehicle is another possible sign of faulty ball joints. When the ball joint is faulty, it creates excessive movement that affects the performance of the suspension. The driver will experience this shaking when driving over uneven roads, making turns using the steering wheel, etc. It is therefore crucial for a mechanic to accurately determine what is causing the issue.
