Must the Ball Joint Be Replaced if It's Leaking Oil?
4 Answers
Ball joint oil leakage must be replaced. The following are specific symptoms of ball joint damage in cars: 1. Abnormal noise: The car will make abnormal noises when driving on bumpy roads. If the car frequently drives on rough road conditions, the lifespan of the ball joint will be relatively shorter, and it may get damaged within 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers. 2. Vibration: You can clearly feel the wheel vibration when driving at low speeds. 3. Unstable driving: The car becomes unstable during driving, showing signs of swaying left and right or pulling to one side. In severe cases, it may even lead to brake failure. 4. Prone to fracture: If the ball joint has excessive play, it is prone to fracture when subjected to impact loads.
As an ordinary person who has been driving for over a decade, I once encountered a leaking steering ball joint issue where the steering wheel felt slightly unresponsive with faint abnormal noises. This is usually caused by aging or damage to the ball joint's sealing ring, leading to grease leakage. If not replaced promptly, the internal components of the ball joint will wear out faster, potentially causing sudden jamming or loosening. This makes steering less responsive or even uncontrollable while driving, which is extremely dangerous. I consulted a repair shop, and the mechanic insisted on replacing the entire ball joint rather than simply replenishing the grease, as damaged seals cannot be repaired. Remember, safety always comes first—once you notice grease leakage, get it fixed at a professional repair shop immediately. Don't risk your safety to save a little money. Also, avoid rough roads while driving, as they can accelerate ball joint wear.
From my experience in car repair, a leaking ball joint must be replaced—don’t take chances. The ball joint is a critical component of the steering system, acting like a joint that requires lubrication. Once the grease leaks out, metal-on-metal contact will cause rapid wear, leading to abnormal noises, loose steering, or failure to return to center. If left unaddressed for long, it may result in steering failure or uneven tire wear, costing far more to fix later. I recommend checking the leak severity ASAP: minor dripping might hold for a while, but active leaking demands immediate repair. Visit a reputable shop for a replacement—average costs of a few hundred bucks are reasonable. Also, pay extra attention to steering components during routine maintenance; prevention always beats costly fixes.
A leaking ball joint is no small matter and must be replaced. This component is located on the tie rod and is responsible for flexible movement. Reduced lubrication will accelerate internal wear. After leakage, you may feel abnormal steering wheel feedback or increased noise, and prolonged use can lead to stiff steering. From an economic perspective, replacing it early can prevent damage to other components, saving money in the long run. To avoid frequent repairs, it's recommended to have a technician check the ball joint condition during every maintenance service.
