Ball joints are critical to your vehicle's suspension system, connecting the control arm to the steering knuckle. Over time, ball joints can wear out, impacting your car's handling, steering, and safety. As a responsible vehicle owner, it's important to recognize the signs that your ball joints may need to be replaced.
One common symptom of worn ball joints is clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps or making turns. You may also notice your vehicle wandering or pulling to one side while driving or uneven tire wear. If the ball joints are severely worn, you might experience excessive vibration in the steering wheel or even loss of steering control.
You can perform a simple inspection to check for worn ball joints. With your vehicle safely raised and supported on jack stands, grab each front tire at the top and bottom and rock it in and out. If there is noticeable play or clunking, that indicates a problem with the ball joints or wheel bearings which should be addressed promptly.
Neglecting to replace worn ball joints can lead to further suspension damage and unsafe driving conditions. If you suspect your ball joints are failing, have your vehicle inspected by the expert technicians at Crown Motors in Redding, CA. We will thoroughly evaluate your suspension system and recommend the appropriate ball joint services to keep your vehicle safe and driving at its best.