4 Signs and Symptoms of a Faulty or Worn-out Ball Joint

 Ball joints are a common and vital suspension part of the modern vehicle. They're a round bearing in a socket that connects the car's control/suspension arms to the steering knuckles.

Whenever the steering wheel is turning while the car is driving down the road, it is the front ball joint that allows the front wheels and suspension to travel back and forth, as well as up and down.

If a ball joint fails, the wheel becomes completely free to move in any direction, potentially causing damage to the car's wing, tyre, and other suspension components. It could also lead to a serious accident, and this is the reason why when car owners carry out a MOT history checker online for their vehicle, they will find a worn-out ball joint a common reason a MOT test has failed.

When looking for garages in Reading to do a routing car service or car repairs, request that the mechanic also perform a full health check on your car so you are aware of any faulty parts or those that are wearing out and will need to be replaced soon.

When the front ball joints fail, the car usually displays a few symptoms that alert the driver to the problem. The following are some of the signs and symptoms of a malfunctioning front ball joint:

1.      Making Front Suspension Clunking Noises - Clunking noises from the front suspension are one of the most common symptoms of a suspension ball joint problem. Ball joints wear out and become loose in their sockets, causing the suspension to squeak and thump as it moves up and down the road. Worn ball joints may thump or clang when driving on uneven roads, hitting speed bumps, or turning. The clunking usually gets louder as the ball joints wear out or until they completely fail and break. As mentioned earlier, as this is a safety risk, this is the main reason when you go online and search ‘check my MOT history’, you will most likely find faulty front ball joints as a common reason for MOT failure.

2.      Excessive Vibrations in the Front of the Car - Excessive vibration from the car's suspension is another sign of faulty ball joints. When ball joints wear out, they become loose in their sockets and shake excessively when the car is driving. The damaged ball joint, which can be found on either the right or left side of the car, is usually the source of the vibration. In extreme cases, the vibration can be felt all the way through to the steering wheel. If your vehicle is vibrating excessively, look for car garages in Reading online and make an appointment with a skilled mechanic as soon as possible.

3.      Uneven Front Tyre Wear - Worn ball joints are likely to blame if the inner or outer borders of your front tyres are wearing down faster than the remainder of the tread. This symptom is difficult to detect; if you notice any other indicators of ball joint failure, carefully inspect your tyres, paying special attention to the inside treads. To indicate worn-out front ball joints, wear must develop on either the inner or outer tread, not both. Tires that are underinflated will wear out quickly on both edges.

4.      Wandering Steering Wheel - Wandering steering is another indication of faulty ball joints. When a vehicle's steering moves from left to right on its own, this is known as wandering steering. The steering wheel should stay mainly straight and direct in reaction when the ball joints are in good condition and the wheels are in perfect alignment. Worn ball joints will cause the car to veer to the left or right, requiring the driver to correct.

Since ball joints are a crucial part of every vehicle's suspension system. When they start to malfunction or fail, the vehicle's general handling and ride characteristics are likely to be impaired. Have your vehicle's suspension tested by a competent technician if you feel your ball joints have become seriously worn or need to be replaced. They will be able to replace any faulty ball joints if necessary.