EdupradaThe steering ball joint is a part that is changed approximately every 100,000 kilometers. However, its wear may vary depending on the constraints to which it is subjected. Symptoms of a broken steering ball joint include steering wheel vibration, premature tire wear, poor steering and steering play.
What are the symptoms of an HS steering ball joint?
The steering ball joint is a part that turns the wheels of a car. It participates in the articulation connecting the steering rack to the vehicle’s steering knuckle . It also contributes to the absorption of shocks on a deformed road.
The steering ball joint is a solid and resistant part, but subject to numerous constraints during the life of a car: impurities, shocks, vibrations, etc. Over time, it can therefore deteriorate. Bad roads or hitting a curb can accelerate wear on the steering ball joint.
A HS steering ball joint will present the following symptoms:
- Vibrations in the steering wheel , amplified in turns;
- Premature and irregular tire wear ;
- Degraded steering quality , both in a straight line and in bends;
- A tendency of the vehicle to pull to the side ;
- More difficult maneuvers than usual (parking, steering, etc.);
- Game in the direction .
When to change your steering ball joint?
The steering ball joint is a part that wears out over time. On average, you need to change your steering ball joints every 100,000 kilometers . But the wear of a steering ball joint can be accelerated by certain constraints, particularly if you often drive on damaged roads or following an impact against a curb.
For this reason, it is important to be attentive to the symptoms telling you that one of your steering ball joints is out of order. Your steering is also checked during the service and technical inspection of your car.
What to do in case of HS steering ball joint?
If your steering ball joint shows the symptoms that it is out of order, you must take your car to a mechanic . He may start by carrying out a mechanical check of your steering ball joints. He will thus verify that the symptoms really came from a faulty steering ball joint and not elsewhere.
If one or more of your steering ball joints are actually worn, the mechanic will replace the parts. After changing a steering ball joint, the wheels must be aligned . For this reason and because a steering problem can endanger your safety, you must entrust your car to a professional.
What are the risks of driving with a HS steering ball joint?
It is dangerous to continue driving with a broken steering ball joint. It will start to gain play and the problem will only get worse, increasing the symptoms: vibrations, difficulty maneuvering, tendency of the vehicle to pull to the left or right, etc.
If you don’t have the problem repaired quickly, you risk damaging other steering components, such as the tie rod or rack . You will therefore also increase the repair bill.
Finally, a HS steering ball joint puts road safety at risk! Indeed, wear of the ball joint will impact the precision of your trajectory and the ease of your maneuvers, which could be the cause of a road accident.
That’s it, you know all the symptoms of a HS steering ball joint! You will have understood: it is anything but recommended to continue driving if one of your steering ball joints is worn. If you experience the symptoms described in this article, go to one of our trusted mechanics to repair your car at the best price.