Can you drive with a damaged ball joint?

In most cases, no — you should not drive when you suspect a damaged ball joint. A failure can lead to sudden loss of steering or wheel separation, putting you and others at risk. If you suspect damage, pull over safely and arrange roadside assistance to tow the vehicle to a repair facility.

Ball joints connect the suspension to the steering knuckle and allow controlled motion as the wheel moves up and down and turns. They can wear from road conditions, impacts, age, and exposure, and a failing joint can degrade handling long before it fully fails. This article explains what a ball joint does, how damage presents itself, and what to do to stay safe.

What a ball joint does and how damage happens

The ball joint acts as a pivot between the wheel hub and the suspension’s control arm. Depending on the design, it can be an outer joint, inner joint, or a quad/triad setup on some vehicles. Worn ball joints manifest as excessive play, clunking noises, steering drift, or uneven tire wear. They can fail due to torn boots that let grease escape and contaminants in, corrosion, or impact damage from potholes or curbs.

Signs of wear or impending failure

Watch for warning indicators that a ball joint may be worn:

• Clunking or creaking sounds when hitting bumps or during turns.


• Looseness or play in the wheel or steering response.


• Pulling, wandering, or instability in the steering.


• Uneven tire wear, typically on the inside or outside edges.


• Leaks or visible grease on the joint boot, or a torn boot.

If you notice these signs, stop driving if safe and have the vehicle inspected promptly. Driving with a severely worn joint can lead to wheel detachment or steering failure, creating a high-risk situation.

Is it safe to drive with a damaged ball joint?

The safe answer: driving is hazardous and not recommended. A failed ball joint can cause loss of control, sudden alignment changes, or wheel separation at speed. If you must move the vehicle, limit it to a very short trip to a safe location or repair facility and avoid highway speeds or rough roads.

For most drivers, the prudent choice is to avoid driving the vehicle entirely and arrange towing or roadside repair to minimize risk to you and others on the road.

What to do if you suspect a damaged ball joint

Follow these steps to reduce risk and get timely repair:

• Pull over safely as soon as you can if you notice serious symptoms like clunks, steering drift, or abnormal tire wear.


• Do not continue driving more than necessary to reach a repair shop.


• Have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to confirm the ball joint condition and to inspect nearby components (struts, control arms, tie rods, tires).


• Follow the mechanic's advice regarding replacement options — ball joints may be replaced individually or as part of a control arm assembly depending on design.


• Arrange towing or roadside assistance if the vehicle is unsafe to drive at any speed.

Timely inspection prevents further damage to suspension components and reduces the risk of catastrophic failure on the road.

Replacement options and costs

Replacement methods and costs vary by vehicle design and whether the ball joint is part of a two- or multi-link suspension. Knowing your options helps with planning and budgeting.

• Outer ball joints are commonly replaced on their own if only the joint is worn, but some designs require replacing the entire control arm assembly.


• Inner ball joints (inboard) are less commonly replaced separately and may require control arm replacement.


• Labor time varies by vehicle; parts costs depend on brand and design. Expect several hours of work for front suspension service on many cars.


• Typical total costs range from roughly $300 to $1,000 per joint, depending on vehicle and whether a control arm is replaced along with the joint.

Consult a trusted mechanic for an accurate estimate for your specific vehicle model and the extent of damage.

Maintenance and future prevention

After repair, you can extend the life of ball joints and the suspension with regular inspections, proper alignment checks, careful driving to avoid pothole damage, and addressing steering or vibration issues promptly.

Summary

Driving with a damaged ball joint is unsafe. The safest course is to stop as soon as you notice symptoms, avoid driving at speed, and arrange towing to a repair facility for inspection and replacement as needed. Early detection and timely repair protect you, your passengers, and other road users, and regular maintenance helps prevent future failures.

What happens if I drive with a bad ball joint?

Driving with bad ball joints is dangerous and can lead to a loss of control, steering problems, and significant damage to your vehicle. You may experience poor handling, vibration, and uneven tire wear. A complete ball joint failure can cause the wheel to detach or the suspension to collapse, resulting in a collision.
 
Immediate dangers

• Loss of control: If the ball joint fails completely, the suspension can collapse or the wheel may detach, leading to an instant loss of steering and braking control. 
• Accident: Loss of control at speed can easily cause a severe accident, potentially involving other vehicles or pedestrians. 

Other problems that can occur 
This video explains how a bad ball joint can lead to a loss of control: 1mBarbour's Auto HelpYouTube · May 12, 2020

• Poor steering: Worn ball joints can cause your car to pull to one side, making it difficult to keep it driving straight. 
• Uneven tire wear: The misalignment caused by bad ball joints will accelerate the wear on your tires, leading to premature replacement. 
• Vibration: You may feel excessive vibrations through the steering wheel or the car's body. 
• Suspension noise: Worn ball joints often make clunking or popping noises, especially when turning or going over bumps. 
• Wider suspension damage: Driving with one bad ball joint can put extra stress on other suspension components, leading to more damage and higher repair costs. 

What you should do

• Do not drive: Avoid driving the vehicle if you suspect bad ball joints. 
• Get it inspected immediately: Have a mechanic inspect and replace the faulty ball joints as soon as possible. 
• Consider the risk: Even if the ball joint hasn't failed yet, it is a serious safety risk that should be addressed promptly. 

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.

How much does it cost to fix a ball joint on a car?

Replacing a car ball joint typically costs $250 to $500 per joint, including parts and labor. The final price depends on factors like the vehicle's make and model, whether the ball joint is integrated into the control arm, and if a wheel alignment is needed afterward. 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: A ball joint itself can cost anywhere from $20 to $350, depending on the vehicle and part quality. 
• Labor: Expect to pay between $80 and $200 per hour for labor, and the job usually takes one to three hours. 
• Wheel Alignment: Most shops recommend or require a wheel alignment after a ball joint replacement, which can add $50 to $150 to the total bill. 

Factors that influence cost

• Vehicle Type: European, sports, or luxury cars will have higher costs than a standard domestic or Asian vehicle. 
• Integrated Ball Joints: Some newer cars have ball joints integrated into the control arm, meaning the entire control arm assembly must be replaced, increasing the cost to $600 to $750 for the job. 
• Multiple Replacements: It is common practice to replace both ball joints on the same axle, as the other is likely to fail soon after. This will increase the total cost, but may save you money in the long run. 

What does it sound like when a ball joint is going out?

A failing ball joint typically sounds like clunking or rattling, especially when going over bumps or during turns. The noise may start as a faint, intermittent sound but will become louder and more frequent as the joint wears out. In some cases, you might also hear a squeaking sound when turning if the joint has lost lubrication. 
What to listen for

• Clunking/Knocking: The most common symptom is a distinct clunk or knock, especially as the suspension moves over bumps. 
• Rattling: A loose ball joint can also cause a rattling noise. 
• Squeaking: If the rubber boot protecting the joint is torn, the lack of lubrication can cause a squeaking sound, particularly when turning. 

This video demonstrates the sound of a bad ball joint: 58sPete's GarageYouTube · May 22, 2022
Other symptoms to watch for
Beyond the sound, other symptoms often accompany a failing ball joint: 

• Loose or shaky steering: The steering wheel may feel sloppy or unstable, and the vehicle might pull to one side. 
• Vibration: You might feel vibrations in the steering wheel or through the chassis of the car. 
• Uneven tire wear: A worn ball joint can throw off the wheel alignment, leading to uneven wear on the inside or outside edges of your tires. 

You can watch this video to learn how to check for a loose ball joint: 42sChrisFixYouTube · Jun 10, 2014