What are the symptoms of a damaged steering tie rod ball joint in a car?
3 Answers
Balance rod ball joint damage can cause noise when driving on rough roads, but no abnormal sounds will occur when driving on paved roads. The related introduction of the balance rod is as follows: Balance rod suppresses body roll: When the left and right wheels of a car pass over different road bumps or potholes, anti-roll resistance (Roll-Resistance) is generated, suppressing body roll. Balance rod classification: Front lower control arm balance rod (original equipment required part), toe-in balance rod (original equipment required part), front shock tower top balance rod (commonly known as "top bar" in Hong Kong and Macau, optional part), front crossmember balance rod (commonly known as "front lower bar", optional part), etc.
When the steering tie rod ball joint is damaged, I noticed the steering wheel becomes extremely loose, as if there's play, causing the car to wobble intermittently while driving straight, which is particularly uncomfortable. Sometimes when turning, a clear clicking sound can be heard, which is caused by the unstable connection of the ball joint. Tire wear also becomes uneven—my left front tire once wore unevenly due to this issue, leading to unstable driving with side-to-side swaying. During inspection, a noticeable looseness can be felt when gently shaking the wheel, indicating excessive play in the ball joint. Safety-wise, this is no trivial matter; if it fails completely, steering control is lost, potentially causing a collision. I recommend everyone pay attention to these symptoms and visit a professional shop early to replace the part—don’t skimp on maintenance.
When the tie rod end ball joint fails while driving, the steering wheel feels loose, and without holding it steady, the car tends to wobble left and right when going straight. I've experienced this situation—the vehicle also tends to drift, such as consistently veering to the right after each start, requiring constant correction to maintain direction. When shifting gears or turning, you might hear a clunking noise, almost like a warning of the fault. From a safety perspective, this increases the risk of losing control, especially on highways. Tire wear also accelerates, leading to higher maintenance costs. I make it a habit to regularly inspect the suspension system to avoid prolonged damage to other components. Simply put, if you notice an issue, get it fixed promptly—don’t wait until it completely fails.
