What are the symptoms of a bad ball joint in the eighth-generation Accord?
2 Answers
Because the pressurized position is in the up-and-down swinging motion during vehicle operation, the ball joint is prone to detachment. If cracks or gaps are found in the ball joint, it is recommended to replace it directly (preferably with an original factory part). The symptoms of a bad ball joint are as follows: 1. If the ball joint is bad, there will be a large gap when turning the steering wheel left or right. 2. The vehicle will produce significant abnormal noises during operation. Additional information is as follows: 1. Exterior: The eighth-generation Accord boasts generous dimensions of 4945mm in length, 1845mm in width, and 1480mm in height, along with a body design featuring rich and three-dimensional lines and first-class sheet metal craftsmanship, fully meeting Chinese consumers' demands for prestige. As an entry-level model, the 2.0L Accord has an exterior almost identical to the more expensive 2.4L model, with the same wheel design, making it hard to distinguish. Only very specific details can "reveal" its identity, such as only high-end Accord models being equipped with side mirrors with turn signals and chrome door handles. 2. Powertrain: The 2.0L Accord uses an i-VTEC engine based on the previous generation, with improvements in compression ratio, intake and exhaust valves, and combustion chamber, resulting in a certain increase in power, capable of delivering 156 horsepower and a peak torque of 189 Nm. It is paired with the same 5-speed automatic transmission as the 2.4L model.
Anyone who has driven an 8th-gen Accord knows that a bad ball joint in the front makes itself pretty obvious. Like, after driving this car for a few years, once the ball joint goes bad, you can hear this creaking noise when turning—it feels like bones grinding. The car gets super unstable during turns, with the steering wheel shaking violently, almost like you're on a boat. It gets even worse on rough roads. Uneven tire wear is a telltale sign that suspension components are pulling on the wheels. If ignored, the wheel could loosen, making high-speed lane changes downright dangerous. My advice? Get the suspension checked regularly. The 8th-gen Accord’s aging suspension is prone to failure here. A new ball joint isn’t too expensive, but make sure to get it done at a reputable shop to avoid bigger headaches down the road.
