When was the last time you went searching in the owner’s manual for information about your ball joints?  Every little component on your car serves a purpose, and the more you know about the operations, the better you can be when diagnosing the problem.  Ardmore area Toyota service professionals are discussing ball joints.

 

What is a Ball Joint?

Your ball joint serves the same purpose as your hip does in the socket.  The smooth swivel in your hip is the same as the smooth movement of the ball joint.  The purpose of the ball joint is to allow the car to move up and down, side to side, and to steer.  Typically, there are four ball joints in a vehicle: two on each side of the front suspension, an upper and a lower ball joint for each wheel.

 

How Long Does a Ball Joint Last?

Ball joints are designed to last quite a while, but excessive wear and harsh driving conditions can induce premature aging.  When the joints wear out, the joint will become loose in its socket and cause damage to the car if it goes unrepaired.  Always consult your owner’s manual for ball joint specifications and requirements.

 

Signs and Consequences of Bad Ball Joints

When your ball joints start to go bad, you will notice a few driving changes.  The first thing you may notice is a banging sound in the front of the vehicle when you are turning a corner or going over a bump.  Additional symptoms include abnormal tire wear and sloppy or stiff steering.  If you fail to replace the ball joints, the car’s alignment will be affected; lubrication on the ball joint can dry out; the steering can collapse if the ball joint fails completely.

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