What will bad ball joints do to your car?
Vibrations – when a ball joint wears out, it becomes loose which can create a vibration that you can feel through the floor or the steering wheel while you drive. Steering wheel wandering to the left or the right – worn ball joints cause the steering to pull from left to right on its own.
Why is my strut suspension ball joint clicking?
The ball joint assembly in a vehicle with strut suspension should be silent. Any clicking sound when you move it up indicates it’s worn out and not working smoothly as it should. If you notice significant play, you need to change the ball joint. Alternatively, have someone look at the ball joint while you attempt to move it.
What happens to your steering wheel when you wear a ball joint?
Steering – Worn ball joints can affect your vehicle’s steering, usually making the steering sloppy or stiff depending on how the ball joint is wearing. Feeling a vibration in the steering wheel while driving down a level, straight road, or your vehicle drifting to the right or left when going over bumps may also be signs of ball joint wear.
What do the struts of a car do?
The struts of a car are the components that are solid car components, allowing for the wheel assembly, the chassis and body to move in unison, once you hit a bump or a dip during driving. When your struts begin to wear out, you will have some unwelcomed noises to deal with.
Why do you need ball joints in front of your car?
The front ball joints also allow the front wheels and suspension to move back and forth, as well as up and down, as the steering wheel is turned during driving and as the car moves over uneven road surfaces. Modern ball joints aren’t serviceable, and many last the lifespan of your car.
Why are there no ball joints on strut suspension?
On vehicles with strut suspensions, there are no ball joints unless the suspension is a wishbone combination, but the upper mounting plate can become worn out, and cause noises. Worn ball joints upset the camber alignment making tires wear faster and causing steering pull.
What happens when a car’s ball joints wear down?
The ball joints allow the suspension of your vehicle to move up and down, while at the same time allow the wheels to turn left and right. Over time, a car’s ball joints may wear down. If a ball joint starts to loosen, you’ll hear clunking sounds from the front as the joint rattles in the socket.
How can I check the ball joint on my front suspension?
If your front suspension uses MacPherson struts, look for a wear indicator, which is usually a grease fitting. Grasp the fitting and try to wiggle it. If the fitting moves around inside the housing, you’ll need to replace the ball joint. Jack up the car on the front cross-member.
Can a worn strut make your car unsafe to drive?
Faulty or worn shocks, struts, springs, tie rods or ball joints can wreak havoc on your vehicle and make your car or truck unsafe to drive. Wear and tear is only an issue if you actively ignore the problem and allow your vehicle to run itself into the ground!