What are the symptoms of a faulty steering tie rod ball joint in a car?
3 Answers
Balance bar ball joint damage can cause noise when driving on rough roads, but no abnormal sounds will occur when driving on paved roads. The relevant introduction of the balance bar is as follows: Balance bar suppresses body roll: When the left and right wheels of a car pass through different road bumps or potholes, it generates roll resistance to suppress 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 bottom cross member balance bar (commonly known as "front bottom bar", optional part), etc.
Last year when I experienced a faulty tie rod end, I noticed the steering wheel felt extremely loose, like holding a wobbly toy, accompanied by constant creaking noises that were as annoying as a mouse gnawing. Driving straight, the vehicle would shake like a massage chair, with tires persistently pulling to one side, making it drift off course and requiring constant steering corrections to avoid running off the shoulder. Initially, I thought it was a minor issue, but upon inspection, the tire wear was shockingly uneven, with asymmetrical tread patterns, which felt like a waste of money. More dangerously, during high-speed turns, the steering response became completely unpredictable, nearly causing an accident. So, I rushed to the shop for replacement parts. The mechanic warned that a faulty tie rod end compromises handling safety and must be addressed promptly. I now recommend regular suspension system checks—like having a professional inspect the tie rod ends every six months or few thousand kilometers—to prevent issues, because safety is priceless.
Last time I drove my friend's old car, I clearly noticed an issue with the tie rod end ball joint. Every time I turned the steering wheel, there was a distinct metallic grinding or clunking noise, especially noticeable during low-speed turns or when driving on bumpy roads, which was quite unsettling. The steering felt unusually loose, lacking the usual tight and responsive feedback, with a lot of play. Additionally, the vehicle tended to wobble up and down when driving straight, with the front wheels shaking noticeably—sometimes even making my palms tingle from the vibration. There was also obvious uneven tire wear, with the inner tread nearly worn out while the outer part was still fine, clearly caused by unstable steering. These symptoms are all due to abnormal joint movement from aging ball joints. Failing to replace or repair them promptly could lead to more severe control failures. I usually perform a preliminary check myself, like gently shaking the tires or paying attention to driving changes, and then take it in for repairs as soon as possible—don’t wait for an accident to happen.
