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.
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
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.
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