Can I drive with a bad ball joint?

Bottom line: Do not drive a vehicle with a bad ball joint. A worn or failing ball joint can cause steering play, sudden loss of control, and even wheel separation. If you suspect a problem, arrange prompt inspection and avoid driving until it’s repaired.

What a ball joint does and how it wears out

Ball joints connect the steering knuckle to the control arm and allow the wheel to move up and down with the suspension while turning with the steering. They’re usually sealed and lubricated, but road hazards, age, and poor maintenance can cause boots to tear, grease to leak, and the joint to wear. Wear leads to looseness, noise, and compromised handling.

What exactly is a ball joint?

A ball joint is a spherical bearing that allows pivoting in multiple directions between the steering knuckle and control arm. Most vehicles have upper and/or lower ball joints, and some designs integrate the joint into the control arm assembly. Wear often starts with a torn boot and grease leakage, followed by progressive play in the joint.

Why worn ball joints are dangerous

Worn ball joints can create excessive steering play, cause the wheel to misalign or wander, and, in severe cases, separate from the control arm. A failed ball joint can abruptly change vehicle handling, especially at speed or during lane changes, increasing the risk of a crash. For safety, any suspicion of wear deserves prompt inspection and repair.

Can you drive with a bad ball joint?

Bottom line: Do not drive a vehicle with a confirmed bad ball joint. If you suspect one, arrange towing to a repair facility and schedule an inspection. Driving the car, even a short distance, can worsen wear and raise the likelihood of sudden failure.

Here are common signs that a ball joint may be worn and in need of service.

Symptoms and warning signs

Common symptoms of ball joint wear include the following:

• Clunking or knocking noises when going over bumps


• Excessive looseness or play in the steering when the suspension is manipulated


• Uneven tire wear or cupping patterns


• Pulling or wandering of the vehicle to one side


• Vibration or shimmy in the steering wheel at certain speeds


• Visible damage to the grease boot or grease leakage around the joint

These signs indicate possible wear and warrant professional inspection. Driving with these symptoms can lead to further damage or a dangerous failure.

Immediate steps if you suspect a bad ball joint

If you notice any of the warning signs above, take cautious steps to stay safe and minimize damage:

• Do not continue driving the vehicle; arrange towing to a qualified repair shop


• If you must move the car, keep speeds extremely low and avoid rough roads, potholes, and hard braking


• Have the ball joints inspected by a certified mechanic to determine which joints are affected and how severely


• Discuss replacement options: single joint versus replacing the whole control arm or arm assembly, and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are appropriate


• Plan for wheel alignment after replacement to restore proper handling and tire wear

Professional evaluation and repair are essential for safety and long-term reliability. Avoid driving until the issue is diagnosed and resolved.

Prevention and maintenance

To reduce risk and extend the life of ball joints, follow these maintenance practices:

• Have the suspension and steering system inspected regularly during service visits


• Inspect and replace damaged or torn boots promptly to keep dirt and moisture out


• Ensure proper wheel alignment and monitor tire wear; rotate tires as recommended


• Avoid rough driving and road hazards when possible; slow down for potholes and speed bumps


• Use quality replacement parts and have them installed by a qualified technician with proper torque and lubrication


• Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on service intervals and replacements, especially for vehicles with independent rear suspension or integrated ball joints

Regular inspection and timely replacement can prevent unexpected failures and keep your steering and suspension functioning safely.

Summary

A bad ball joint is a serious safety issue. Do not drive a vehicle with known or suspected ball-joint failure. Seek immediate inspection by a qualified mechanic, arrange towing if necessary, and replace worn components to restore safe steering and suspension performance. Proactive maintenance and careful driving help prevent unexpected failure and keep you on the road safely.

Can a bad ball joint cause a tire to fall off?

Ball joints are basically what secure the steering knuckle (with its attached axle and wheel) to the rest of your truck. Which means the answer is yes, failed ball joints can make your wheel fall off. The million dollar question is exactly how bad are they? Are you sure the squeaking is the ball joints?

What does a bad ball joint sound like while driving?

And other debris. As a ball and socket wear the ball joint will become looser over time. Here are some symptoms to watch out.

How long can you drive with a ball joint?

Well, it depends on how badly the ball joints are injured or how much they have worn out. If you are driving on bad ball joints, in most cases, you can drive for 500 miles with no severe issue.

Is a ball joint expensive to fix?

Replacing a ball joint is moderately expensive, with average costs ranging from $250 to $500 per joint, but it can be significantly cheaper or more expensive depending on the vehicle, parts, and labor rates. For example, a vehicle requiring the entire control arm to be replaced instead of just the ball joint will be more expensive. Driving with a worn ball joint is dangerous and can lead to more costly damage.
 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: Ball joint parts themselves can cost anywhere from $20 to $150 or more, depending on the brand (OEM vs. aftermarket) and vehicle. 
• Labor: Labor costs typically range from $80 to $200+ per hour, with a replacement taking one to three hours per joint. 
• Related repairs: The final price can increase if related parts like the control arm or bushings are worn and need replacement, which adds to the overall cost. 
• Wheel alignment: After the replacement, a wheel alignment is usually necessary to ensure proper handling and tire wear, which costs an additional $50 to $150. 

Factors that influence the cost

• Vehicle make and model: The cost varies widely by vehicle. Some cars have more expensive parts or require more labor for replacement. 
• Type of ball joint: Some newer vehicles have ball joints integrated into the control arm, meaning the entire assembly must be replaced. Older vehicles may have modular joints that are cheaper to replace individually. 
• Labor rates: Prices differ based on your location and the shop you choose. Dealerships are often more expensive than independent mechanics. 
• Quality of parts: Choosing OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts can increase the initial cost compared to reputable aftermarket parts that are designed to meet OEM specifications. 

Why you shouldn't delay the repair

• Safety risk: A failed ball joint can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, potentially leading to serious accidents. 
• Further damage: A broken ball joint can cause damage to other suspension components, such as the axle or stabilizer bar, leading to even more expensive repairs.