Ball joint is simply a ball and socket joint consisting of the ball, housing, cover cap and in some a washer or spring is included. Even though being quite simple, they have an important function in the car: allowing the suspension to move up and down. Ball joints also allow the wheels to turn left and right, which is quite important in the vehicle. However, over time these ball joints may wear out due to constant use. When this happens, you'll start hearing some noises, especially when the car goes over bumps. A proper maintenance of the ball joints is necessary for a smooth running vehicle. In this OneHowTo article we're going to explain how to check ball joints for wear, so you can see the condition of your joints and take a decision on whether you need to change them or not.
First signs that ball joints might be worn out
To check ball joints for wear, you can try to locate the ball joint and inspect it.
In automobiles such as cars, you need to first locate the ball joint. It is situated under the car, below the steering knuckle. Commonly, there are two ball joints, one upper and another lower, which are located at the suspensions. The lower ball joint is the one which is more prone to wear and tear as it takes most of the abuse. Regular inspection can prevent long-term damage and costly repairs.
At first, check if there is excess lubricant leaking out of the ball joint. If so, you need to replace the rubber cover. Then, check the rubber boots on the joints. If the rubber boots are gone or are torn and not in one piece, then it's best to replace the ball joint. It's crucial to ensure the joints are well-lubricated to avoid friction.
If you locate any uneven wear in the outer or inner edge of the front tire, i.e., they are wearing faster than the rest of the tire tread, then it is most probably due to a worn-out ball joint. Consistent monitoring of tire condition can provide early warning signs of suspension issues.
Other signs that the ball joints in your car are worn out
Usually, ball joints are hidden in the car, and it is quite difficult to know if they are worn out by looking at them. However, some signs in our vehicle will let us know that there is some kind of problem with the ball joints. Below, we're going to explain some of the most common ways of verifying that the ball joints in your car might be worn out.
Listen to the suspension sound
If you don’t want to go under your vehicle and inspect the ball joints, then pay careful attention to the sound made by the suspension while driving. If your suspension is making any abnormal sound such as a bumping noise, scraping noise, or else a rattling noise, then it means the suspension is having a problem. The main cause of this problem is worn-out ball joints. So, it’s best to replace the ball joints whenever any abnormal sound comes from the suspension. These noises not only indicate wear but can also affect driving safety if not addressed promptly.
Test the suspension and steering
If you can’t hear any abnormal sound in your suspension and can’t find any wear and tear by simply looking at the ball joints, then you need to test the suspension and steering. For testing, you need to go under the vehicle again. So, at first, jack the front part of the vehicle and secure it on stands. Then, using your hand, move the joint around. If it moves, then it is definitely gone bad.
Also, you can try moving the tire along the vertical axis. If it moves except side-to-side movement, then the ball joints are worn out. In this regard, regular testing can help maintain the vehicle's alignment and handling. Additionally, periodic checks by a professional can ensure that any underlying issues are identified and addressed early on.
Look at the tires
It is also possible to check the ball joints by looking at the tires of your car. If the tires are worn in an uneven way, it could be an indicator that the ball joints are bad. To check this, take a look at your tires. If they are more worn on the outer or inner edges than the rest of the tire, there is a chance that the ball joint is bad. If both edges (inner and outer) are equally worn, this is not a problem of the ball joint anymore. In this case, this is an indicator of underinflation of the tire. Furthermore, maintaining proper tire pressure and regular rotations can prevent uneven wear and extend tire life.
Regular maintenance and inspection of your vehicle's suspension system, including the ball joints, can lead to smoother rides and enhanced safety. Remember, addressing small issues before they escalate can save time and money in the long run.
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