What are the symptoms of a bad lower control arm ball joint?

1 Answers
OStephanie
07/29/25 9:18pm
Symptoms of a bad lower control arm ball joint: The ball joint develops play within its socket, producing abnormal noises when encountering bumps or decelerating, and may cause a floating sensation during high-speed driving. The lower control arm connects and mounts the wheel knuckle to the subframe, securing and supporting the wheel. Typically made of stamped steel plate, higher-end vehicles may use cast iron. As one of the suspension system's swing arms, lower control arms are usually found in independent suspension systems. The working principle involves constraining the connecting motion points' angles to actively adjust wheel alignment during suspension compression. This highly adaptable design allows for precise vehicle-specific matching and tuning, enabling multi-link suspensions to maximize tire grip and enhance overall handling limits.
Was this review help?
14
1
Share
More Forum Discussions

What car is the 'Song' license plate?

The 'Song' license plate refers to a model under the BYD automotive brand called the Song. The BYD Song can be considered the dual-mode version of the BYD S3, positioned as a new energy compact SUV. It features an X-shaped front grille, giving it a sporty appearance. The side profile of the car adopts hidden A/B/C pillar designs, creating a floating roof visual effect. Additional Information: 1. The Song was BYD's flagship model in 2015, dubbed the 'SUV Year,' and was one of the key members of the '542 Strategy.' The model made its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show. Prior to this, BYD had already launched the Tang, but its higher positioning led to a relatively higher price. Therefore, for many consumers, the slightly more affordable BYD Song became a highly anticipated alternative. 2. The front of the BYD Song features an X-shaped design, giving it high recognition. The hexagonal mesh grille, paired with sharp headlights on both sides, gives it a distinctive look. At the rear, the taillights follow the design language of the headlights, with equally sharp lines. The car measures 4565mm in length, 1830mm in width, and 1703mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2660mm. According to reports, the BYD Song's dimensions are 4565/1830/1703mm, with a 2660mm wheelbase, officially positioning it as a 'mid-size SUV.'
18
1
Share

How to Distinguish Between Good and Bad Spark Plugs?

Methods to determine the quality of spark plugs: 1. Spark Test: Remove the spark plug and test it on the cylinder block with a high-voltage wire. If there is no spark or the spark is weak, it indicates that the spark plug is leaking electricity or not working. 2. Color Observation: Remove the spark plug. If the surface appears reddish-brown or rust-colored, it indicates the spark plug is normal; if it is oily, it indicates a gap misalignment, excessive fuel supply, a short circuit in the high-voltage wire, or non-operation; if the spark plug is severely eroded, with phenomena such as blistering at the top, black streaks, cracks, or electrode melting, it means the spark plug is damaged and must be replaced immediately. Effects of a Bad Spark Plug: If the spark plug is damaged, it can directly cause issues such as leakage in the vehicle's ignition system, increased fuel consumption, and reduced power. The main problem is difficulty in ignition, affecting the normal use of the vehicle. Severe erosion of the spark plug, blistering at the top, damage, or melting and erosion of the electrode all indicate that the spark plug is ruined and should be replaced.
5
5
Share

What do 98V and 98H on tires mean?

The meanings of 98V and 98H on tires are as follows: 1. The 98 in 98V represents the load index of the tire; V indicates the speed rating, meaning the maximum speed the tire can withstand is 240 km/h. 2. The 98 in 98H also represents the load index of the tire, and H indicates the maximum speed the tire can withstand is 210 km/h. Below is more information about car tires: 1. Tires are circular elastic rubber products installed on various vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground. Mounted on metal rims, they support the vehicle body, cushion external impacts, and ensure contact with the road surface to maintain driving performance. 2. The speed rating indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a specified load under specified conditions. Different tires have speed ratings marked with English letters on their sidewalls, such as Q for 160 km/h, R for 170 km/h, S for 180 km/h, and so on.
11
3
Share

What causes abnormal noise when braking in reverse but normal when moving forward?

Abnormal noise when braking in reverse but normal operation when moving forward may be due to the following reasons: 1. The brake pads have metal hard spots, as there are some small metal particles inside the brake pads, which can cause abnormal noise when lightly braking. In this case, you can stomp on the brakes a few times or remove the brake pads for re-grinding, or replace them with better quality brake pads. 2. The brake pads are severely worn and begin to sound an alarm. Brake pads usually have warning indicators. When the brake pads wear to their limit, the warning indicators will rub against the brake disc, producing sharp metal friction sounds. At this point, it is essential to replace the brake pads promptly to avoid scratching the brake disc and brake failure.
15
2
Share

What does a circle with an A and OFF mean on a car?

The A with a circle and OFF on a car stands for AUTO, which means automatic; OFF means off, so together it means the vehicle's auto start-stop function is turned off. Below is some relevant information about the auto start-stop function: 1. The use of the auto start-stop system has certain conditions. It cannot be used when the battery is low, the temperature is too high or too low, the wheels are turning when stopping, the slope is too steep, or the seat belt is not fastened. 2. After turning on the auto start-stop function, simply press the brake pedal while driving. The engine will automatically shut off after the vehicle comes to a complete stop for about two seconds. Keeping the brake pedal pressed will keep the engine in the off state.
9
2
Share

Why is the air conditioning in the Mondeo not cooling?

The reasons why the air conditioning in the Mondeo is not cooling are as follows: 1. Lack of refrigerant or overcharging of refrigerant. 2. Presence of refrigerant, but the compressor is not working. Generally, the compressor may not work when the external temperature is too low. The compressor not working could be due to wiring issues, damage to the air conditioning pressure switch, or damage to the electromagnetic clutch. 3. A dirty condenser with poor heat dissipation can also affect the cooling performance of the air conditioning. Methods for cleaning the car air conditioning are as follows: 1. Replace the dust filter. Routine air conditioning system cleaning includes replacing the filter, using cleaning agents, and disassembling for cleaning. Replacing the dust filter is the simplest method, which is cost-effective and keeps the air intake unobstructed. Car owners with basic mechanical knowledge can do this themselves. In most small cars, the dust filter is located under the front windshield, covered by the rain gutter. To replace the dust filter, lift the engine hood, remove the clips securing the rain gutter, take off the rain gutter, and the dust filter will be visible. 2. Disinfect the external circulation air ducts. There are many cleaning agents on the market for cleaning air conditioning ducts, which car owners can purchase themselves. Remove the dust filter, start the vehicle, turn on the air conditioning, and set it to external circulation mode. Spray the foam cleaning agent onto the dust filter area, and the external circulation air will draw the cleaning agent into the ducts, disinfecting the ducts, air conditioning evaporator, and heater core, removing odors. The dirt will turn into liquid and flow out from the air conditioning drain. 3. Send it to a repair station for cleaning. Replacing the dust filter and using cleaning agents to clean the ducts are external cleaning methods for the air conditioning system. If the airflow from the vents is still weak or the odor is not completely removed after cleaning, you will need to take it to a repair shop to remove the air box, replace the evaporator, and manually clean the air conditioning heating device housing. 4. Use ozone disinfection. Utilize high-concentration ozone water for disinfecting the car air conditioning. It is understood that ozone water is currently one of the strongest oxidants available, capable of easily oxidizing and denaturing the protein shells of bacteria and fungi, rapidly killing bacterial propagules and spores, and oxidizing and decomposing E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis viruses, and cold viruses.
9
0
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.