Is It Serious If the Rubber on the Steering Ball Joint Cracks?
3 Answers
"The cracking of the rubber on the steering ball joint has an impact because there is grease inside the steering ball joint rubber. Once the rubber cracks, the grease will leak out. Without lubrication, the steering ball joint will be damaged, leading to steering failure. Symptoms of a damaged steering ball joint in a car include: The car will produce a clunking noise when driving on bumpy roads; noticeable wheel vibrations can be felt at low speeds; the car will become unstable during driving, swaying left and right or pulling to one side. In severe cases, it may even cause brake failure; and excessive play in the ball joint, if subjected to impact loads, can easily lead to breakage. Replacement cycle for the steering ball joint:There is no fixed replacement cycle for car ball joints; they only need to be replaced when damaged. The lifespan of a ball joint is generally determined by road conditions. It is usually inspected every 80,000 kilometers and replaced every 100,000 kilometers under normal circumstances. However, if the car frequently drives on rough roads, the lifespan of the ball joint will be relatively shorter, and damage may occur as early as 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers."
I've noticed many car owners don't take cracked steering ball joint rubber covers seriously, but this is actually very dangerous. With twenty years of driving experience, I once experienced sudden grinding noises during steering due to sand and dirt entering a worn ball joint after its rubber boot tore, nearly causing a loss of control on the highway. These rubber dust boots protect the internal ball joint—once cracked, dust and moisture can infiltrate, corroding metal components. Over time, steering may become loose and noisy, potentially leading to suspension system failure or even accidents in severe cases. I recommend immediate inspection and replacement at the first sign of cracks—never cut corners when it comes to safety. When parking, try to avoid mounting curbs to minimize impact and prevent rubber deterioration.
As someone working in an auto repair shop, I frequently encounter issues with cracked rubber on steering ball joints, which is no minor problem. Once the rubber cracks, contaminants quickly enter the ball joint interior, increasing friction and causing steering noise and sluggish response. If left unattended, repair costs can skyrocket—for example, replacing the entire ball joint assembly costs several times more than just replacing the dust cover. I recommend promptly visiting a professional shop for evaluation to determine whether immediate action is needed or if it's just superficial cracking. The repair isn't complicated either; a regular shop can handle it in about half an hour for just a few dozen to a hundred bucks. Addressing it promptly can prevent major headaches.
