Why are the ball joints on my control arm worn out?
They are equipped with bushings and ball joints that allow it to flex and move according to road conditions and steering input from the driver. Over time, the bushings or ball joints on the control arm can wear out and cause all sorts of problems.
How do you know if ball joints need to be replaced?
Inspect the ball joints to make sure they need to be replaced. Figure out if your vehicle’s got a strut-style suspension or a control arm, then check the ball joint by either jacking up the control arm near the ball joint to check for wheel play, or by jacking up the car and using a pry-bar to check for wheel play in a strut-style suspension.
Can a worn out ball joint affect your speed?
This article has been viewed 391,288 times. A worn-out ball joint will pivot horizontally and vertically, negatively affecting your handling at low speed, and becoming especially dangerous at high speeds.
How do you replace ball joint on McPherson strut?
Leave the castellated nut in place, just a few turns in to keep it in a safe place. If you’re working on a McPherson strut suspension remove the “pinch bolt” that clamps the ball joint stud. Pop loose the ball joint.
They are equipped with bushings and ball joints that allow it to flex and move according to road conditions and steering input from the driver. Over time, the bushings or ball joints on the control arm can wear out and cause all sorts of problems.
Can a bad control arm cause steering wandering?
Another symptom commonly associated with bad or failing control arm assembly is steering wandering. Excessively worn ball joints or bushings can cause the vehicle’s steering alignment to shift, which may cause the steering to pull to the left or right when traveling down the road.
What are the symptoms of a bad control arm assembly?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Control Arm Assembly 1 Steering wheel vibration. 2 Steering wandering. 3 Clunking noises.