If dirt, grit, and impurities get inside or grease escapes, the Ball Joints can be damaged, resulting in a lack of lubrication. In addition to this, rust and general wear and tear can damage these suspension components. The consequence of this deterioration is excessive play and looseness (beyond the manufacturer's specification). While healthy ball joints allow for smooth side to side motion, they should not bob up and down or rock.

This is a clear indicator that you need to consider replacing the ball joint. If you suspect that the ball joint is worn, the car should be inspected as soon as possible. Replacing ball joints is not straightforward, as they can be very difficult to access and install  especially if they are aged and rusted. On some cars, the ball joint is integrated into the control arm. If you're new to suspension and wheel assemblies, it's best to go to a garage for a professional inspection. You'll find ball joints on both sides of a car tend to have similar wear, which means it's common to replace them in groups or pairs.

Ball joints play an important role in the steering and suspension of a car and can be used for a long time. However, driving on a bad ball joint can cause significant damage, and complete failure of the ball joint can be fatal. Ball joints connect the wheels to the suspension system and allow them to move together.

As the name suggests, these clever ball-and-sockets act as pivots, similar to the human hip joint. Ball joints are made of bearing studs and housings that fit snugly within a lubricated housing. They connect the control arms to the steering knuckles and allow for smooth and firm movement in the suspension. The front suspension of most cars has at least a low ball joint, and in some cases a high ball joint as well.