What are the symptoms of a bad steering ball joint in a car?
2 Answers
Balance bar ball joint damage will cause noise when driving on rough roads, but no abnormal sounds will occur when driving on paved roads. The related introduction of the balance bar is as follows: Balance bar suppresses body roll: When the left and right wheels of a car pass over different road bumps or potholes, it generates roll resistance, which suppresses body roll. Balance bar classification: Front lower control arm balance bar (original equipment necessary part), toe balance bar (original equipment necessary part), front shock absorber tower top balance bar (commonly known as "top bar" in Hong Kong and Macau, optional part), front cross member balance bar (commonly known as "front lower bar", optional part), etc.
A few days ago, I noticed my car's steering wheel felt loose and sloppy when turning, with a noticeable play in it. While driving, I kept hearing creaking noises from the front wheels, especially during turns. Initially, I thought it was a minor issue, but when I hit the highway, the entire front end shook violently, and the steering felt imprecise—even slight turns caused the body to sway. Upon inspecting the tires, I found one side was significantly more worn than the other. This clearly indicates a faulty steering ball joint, as it's responsible for connecting the wheels to the steering system. Once worn or cracked, it causes the tie rods to loosen and increases play. If not repaired promptly, it could damage the suspension and raise accident risks. I recommend getting it checked by a professional as soon as you hear unusual noises or feel vibrations, and during routine maintenance, ask the mechanic to monitor ball joint wear.
