As the ball and socket wear together, the normally close tolerance between them will increase and the ball joint will become loose over time. Sound – Usually the first indication of worn or loose ball joints will be
a faint, intermittent clunking noise
that seems to be coming from a corner of your vehicle.
What does a ball joint sound like when it is bad?
Metallic clunking noise
: One of the most noticeable and common symptoms of a bad ball joint is a clunking or knocking noise when the suspension moves up and down. A worn ball joint will begin to rattle inside the socket when driving over an uneven road, rough terrain, potholes or speed bumps.
How do you know if you have a bad ball joint?
Noise – this can be a
clunking or squeaking noise
. Clunking noises are caused by the worn ball joints rattling as the suspension travels up and down over the road. The squeaking noise is caused by the rubber boot that protects the grease inside the ball joint is damaged, the ball joint will start to squeak.
What wears out a ball joint?
Ball joints deteriorate if
dirt, grit and impurities get inside or grease escapes
, leading to a lack of lubrication. Added to this, rusting and general wear and tear also damage these suspension parts. The effects of this deterioration are excessive play and looseness (beyond the manufacturer’s specifications).
Can you drive with a bad ball joint?
Can I Drive With a Bad Ball Joint? …
You should not drive with a bad ball joint
. Continuing to drive can cause damage to other vehicle components and if the joint fails completely you could lose control of the vehicle, leading to a crash and injuries.
How long can you drive on a bad ball joint?
short answer is… it depends on how bad they are. the lower ball joint typically gets more wear than the upper. i’d say, if there’s just a little wiggle in either joint, you should have no problem driving
500 miles
.
How do you check ball joints?
Manual Test
To check a ball joint for horizontal play you need to
grab the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions of the wheel and rock the top and bottom of the wheel in and out
. If you can hear clunking or grinding or you can see excessive movement in the ball joint then it probably needs to be replaced.
Do you need an alignment after replacing ball joints?
alignment after ball joint is not necessary unless your previous alignment was done
when ball joints were bad and loose. If your car is driving sloppy after ball joints replacement, check other suspension…
How do I know if my ball joints or wheel bearings are bad?
If the tire rocks by any noticeable degree, and especially if the movement is accompanied by a clinking or clunking sound
, you likely have a bad ball joint or two. This test can also indicate a bad wheel bearing, but that will also grumble and vibrate as you drive in a straight line.
How hard is it to replace ball joints?
From that standpoint, yes,
it is hard to replace
ball joints – more than basic DIYr skills and tools are required. There is also the safety dimension for being in close proximity to a suspended vehicle, and a compressed spring that has enough force to cause serious harm if it comes loose.
Can you replace just the ball joint without replacing control arm?
Some
ball joints can be replaced independently
of the control arm, but not an easy DIY (need a press to get the ball joint out)! If this is going to be a DIY, change the entire control arm. Some ball joints can be replaced independently of the control arm, but not an easy DIY (need a press to get the ball joint out)!
What sound does a bad tie rod make?
A knocking or clunking sound from the front
of the vehicle when turning at low speeds can be a symptom of bad tie rods. As they become loose, tie rods can rattle around at the joints and links, causing the new noises you’re hearing.
Are ball joints only in the front?
The connection is flexible, so the front wheel can steer and move up and down. Modern
cars have at least two ball joints in the front end
; many trucks have four. In many cars, a ball joint is built into the control arm and is replaced as one unit.
What happens if a ball joint goes out while driving?
Breakage
. By far the worst that can happen, when driving on a bad ball joint, is breakage. … When the ball joint completely breaks, the wheel is free to move in any direction. Typically, the wheel will turn outwards, slam against the fender and drag the tire until the brakes are applied.
Can I replace just one ball joint?
If you change the ball joints due to wear on one side of the vehicle, then the other side will likely go bad in a short time. … I would
recommend replacing both sides at the same time
so only one alignment needs to be done and you have the peace of mind that your front ball joints will be good for a long time.
How much does it cost to replace lower ball joints?
Over time, this component can wear out or break down, and you’ll have to get it replaced. For replacing the lower ball joint, you will pay
about $250
, on average. The labor ranges from $225 to $285, and the parts can cost you anywhere from $90 to $120.
