Ball joints are essential to your vehicle's suspension system, connecting the control arm to the steering knuckle. Over time, ball joints can wear down and fail, which can be dangerous. Here are some key signs of a bad ball joint to watch out for:
- Clunking noises coming from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps
- Uneven tire wear, particularly on the inside or outside edges of the front tires
- Vibrations in the steering wheel
- Steering wander or a feeling of looseness in the steering
- The front end of the vehicle diving down when braking
It's important to have your vehicle inspected if any of these signs occur. Driving with a worn-out ball joint can cause the joint to suddenly fail and break apart, resulting in a loss of steering control.
Ball joints generally must be replaced between 70,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and driving conditions. However, they may wear out sooner. Having your suspension and steering components inspected regularly can help identify worn ball joints before they fail.
At Griffin Toyota our factory-trained technicians can properly diagnose issues with your vehicle's ball joints and suspension. If your Toyota shows signs of bad ball joints, bring it into our service center at and we'll get you back on the road safely.
