Ball Joints Service Video

Ball joints are the pivoting connections between the steering knuckle and the control arms. They let each front wheel move up and down over bumps while also turning left and right, all without slop in the suspension geometry.

This video walks through where the joints sit in the front suspension and what a worn one looks like once the internal bearing surface starts to break down. In normal operation, a sealed grease pocket keeps the ball and socket riding smoothly under the weight of the vehicle.

Worn ball joints usually give warning before they fail outright. A clunking noise over bumps, uneven wear on the inner edges of your tires, or wandering steering may indicate a worn joint. These symptoms can point to the joint rather than the tie rod or strut.

Missouri winters push road salt and grit past the joint boot, and once moisture reaches the bearing surface, the ball begins to pit, and the socket wears loose. An inspection at Parks Automotive checks each joint for vertical and lateral play, examines boot condition, and rules out related wear in the control arm bushings.

When testing confirms the joint is at fault, schedule a suspension and steering inspection to see the full repair scope. Drivers from Jackson and Scott City bring their vehicles to us for front-end work.

If you hear a clunking noise over bumps or notice looseness in your steering, call Parks Automotive at (573) 335-2599. You can also visit your trusted mechanic in Cape Girardeau, MO, to have your front suspension inspected.