What are the symptoms of a bad ball joint in a car?
2 Answers
Symptoms of a bad ball joint in a car: 1. Abnormal noises when passing over bumpy roads; 2. Unstable driving with left and right swaying; 3. Braking deviation; 4. Steering failure. Excessive clearance in the ball joint can easily lead to fracture under impact loads. In such cases, please visit a 4S shop for repairs as soon as possible to avoid danger. The ball joint, also known as a universal joint, refers to a mechanical structure that uses a spherical connection to transmit power between different axes. The combination of a universal joint and a drive shaft is called a universal joint transmission device. In rear-wheel-drive vehicles with a front-mounted engine, the universal joint transmission device is installed between the transmission output shaft and the main reducer input shaft of the drive axle. Front-wheel-drive vehicles with a front-mounted engine omit the drive shaft, and the universal joint is installed between the front axle half-shaft, which is responsible for both driving and steering, and the wheel.
When I was younger, I experienced a situation where the ball joint failed, and the symptoms were quite obvious. While driving, especially on bumpy roads or when turning, there would be a clanking noise from under the chassis, like someone was hitting sheet metal. The steering wheel became very unstable; even a slight turn made the car sway left and right, and it would even drift on its own. Keeping it straight required a firm grip. Over time, the inner edges of the front tires wore out quickly, showing irregular wear patterns, and the whole car would shake while driving. I ignored it back then, and almost slid off the road in the rain—it was too dangerous. Now, I regularly check the suspension, and if I hear any strange noises or feel poor handling, I get it fixed immediately to prevent small issues from becoming major disasters. The ball joint may be small, but it’s critical for safety. Replacing one isn’t expensive, so don’t delay.
