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A ball joint is a suspension component in your vehicle that acts as a pivot point between the control arm and wheel spindle. Its function is to allow your wheels to move up and down as you drive while also providing steering movement and stability. Over time, however, ball joints can wear out due to normal wear and tear or excessive stress and force. When this happens, you may start to experience some telltale signs that it's time for a replacement.
Here are some common signs that your ball joints may need replacement:
1. Your car's steering feels loose or sloppy.
Ball joints connect the steering knuckle to the control arm and allow for movement in all directions. When they wear out, it can cause your car to feel loose or sloppy when you turn the wheel. If you're experiencing this issue, it's definitely time to have your ball joints replaced.
2. You hear clunking or popping noises when you go over bumps.
Ball joints are connected to the hub of your wheel and control its movement, allowing it to move freely up and down as well as a pivot in any direction. When they wear out, they can cause a lot of noise, especially when going over bumps. If you're hearing clunking or popping noises, it's time to get your ball joints checked out.
3. Your car's tires are wearing unevenly.
One of the most common signs of worn ball joints is uneven tire wear. If you notice that your tires are wearing down on one side more than the other, it's likely because your ball joints are worn and not allowing your tires to rotate properly. This is a definite sign that you need to replace your ball joints.
4. You see grease around the base of your car's tires.
Another sign that your ball joints may be worn is if you see grease around the base of your car's tires. This is because the ball joint allows the tire to pivot and rotate, and if it's worn out, grease can leak out. If you see grease around your car's tires, it's time to get your ball joints checked.
If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's definitely time to have your ball joints replaced. Ball joints are an important part of your vehicle's suspension system, and when they wear out, they can have a major impact on your ride quality. So if you think your ball joints may be in need of replacement, bring your car to Roesbury Car Care Walnut Creek today!