What happens when a car's ball joint is broken?
2 Answers
Symptoms of a broken car ball joint include: 1. The chassis will make a clunking noise when driving on bumpy roads. 2. Uneven tire wear, unstable driving, and the car may sway from side to side. 3. Braking deviation. 4. Steering wheel vibration, which in severe cases may lead to steering failure. Introduction to steering ball joints: 1. The steering ball joint is a crucial component in a car's steering mechanism, directly affecting the stability of vehicle handling, driving safety, and tire lifespan. Therefore, it must be replaced promptly if damaged. 2. The function of the steering ball joint is to use a spherical connection to transmit power between different axes, providing multi-angle rotation, allowing the steering mechanism to turn smoothly, reducing vibration, and achieving smooth steering.
I remember one time when the ball joint was broken, the steering wheel was extremely unstable while driving, as if sliding on ice, with severe alignment deviation and constant creaking sounds when turning, which made me nervous. The tire wear was uneven, with obvious dents on the left side, and the driving vibration also increased significantly. If not repaired in time, it could lead to loss of control and accidents on the highway. The detachment of suspension components could cause the wheel to splay outward, posing a serious safety threat. I always remind myself to address similar issues early and regularly check the tightness of the undercarriage suspension, shock absorbers, and linkages. If any abnormal noise is detected, I should stop and inspect immediately, avoiding prolonged driving on bad roads to extend the lifespan of the parts.