ANSWERS: 1
  • Ball joints are an important component of a vehicle's steering and suspension system. Ball joints are protected by a rubber boot held on with a metal ring. If the boot gets torn and dirt is allowed to enter the area around the joint, then the joint may prematurely fail and cease to operate properly. Like the brake system and the rest of the suspension and steering, it is crucial to regularly inspect a car or truck's ball joints.

    Vague Steering

    The ball joint connects chassis components to the wheel and tire and allows smooth movement on multiple planes from the suspension as the ball joint pivots in the housing. A bad ball joint may cause a vague feeling from the steering, where the wheels will be pointed in one direction but the tires feel like they are going in another direction. Worn ball joints can also cause the car to pull to one side or when you try to drive in a straight line.

    Excessive Vibration and Shaking

    Another symptom of worn ball joints is excessive shaking and vibrating from the suspension and steering, particularly at high speeds and over bumps and rough roads and streets. Loose ball joints will move around excessively in these conditions rather than staying firmly in one place, which in turn sends excess movement through the chassis and suspension.

    Poor Suspension Alignment

    Worn ball joints may also make it difficult to properly align a vehicle's suspension. On some cars and trucks, the ball joints are used to align the suspension. If the joints are worn, than it may be impossible for the alignment settings to be retained after the vehicle has been aligned.

    Source:

    Olympus Imported Auto Parts: Tech Tips

    Nascar: Replace ball joints to make sure car is safe to drive

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy