Upper & lower Ball
Joints
If the suspension ball joints are worn it will cause the
spindle to wonder causing the steering wheel to shake. Ball joints are a normal service item and need to be inspected
regularly. Inspect lower ball joints and tie rod ends for excessive wear.
Ask your Ravenna Ohio ASE Certified Technician about the severity of worn Tie Rods, Ball Joints and
other front-end safety.
Our ASE Certified Technicians at Paradise Car Care can check the Idler Arm and Tie Rod Ends. The idler arm, pitman arm and tie rod ends are normal service
items and need to be inspected at normal service intervals. To inspect the idler arm, pitman arm and tie rod ends, can
manually be checked by turning the steering wheel slightly (jog) back and forth. If excess movement is observed from any of
the steering components replacement is required.
What are Ball Joints all about?
Ball joints are a part of your vehicle's suspension system that connect
the steering knuckles to the control arms. A ball joint is essentially a
flexible ball and socket that allows the suspension to move and, at the
same time, the wheels to steer. Cars and trucks will have multiple ball
joint assemblies depending on their type of suspension system. Like any
other suspension component, ball joints will eventually wear out and
become loose. Excessive play in the joint can affect wheel alignment and
tire wear. Loose joints can also cause suspension noise (typically a
"clunking" sound when going over a bump). If a ball joint fails, the
suspension can collapse, causing a loss of control of the vehicle.
What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Ball Joints?
● Clunking noise from front tires.
● Steering wheel shakes.
● Car moves to the right or left, esp. going
over the bumps.
● Vehicle tires have abnormal wear.
What is a Tie Rod End all about?
A cars steering wheel is connected to the steering gear that helps the
steering wheel turn the wheels. The steering gear is connected to the
wheels via the tie rod ends. The job of the tie rod end is to ensure the
wheels are aligned. It provides the adjustment for wheel alignment that
keeps the tires from wearing out on the inner and outer edges. If they
wear out, the wheels will lose alignment and you may find that the tires
and steering wheels are shaking when you drive the car.
What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Tie Rod End?
●
Excessive tire wear.
● Car pulling to the left or right.
● Steering wheel shakes.
● Vehicle cannot be aligned.
Steering
Systems
The
primary function of your cars suspension and steering systems is to allow
the wheels to move independently of the car, while keeping it "suspended"
and stable. Any play or uncontrolled motion in these systems results in a
deterioration of handling and accelerated tire wear. Vehicle alignment is
closely tied to the condition of the suspension and steering systems.
Worn or loose components affect the ability to control the toe angle, and
may result in a loss of directional stability and accelerated tire wear.
The main components of a
Conventional system are:
-
1.
Steering Gear Box
-
2.
Center Link
-
3.
Pitman Arm
-
4. Idler
Arm
-
5. Tie
Rods
The main
components of a Rack and Pinion steering system are:
Suspension System
Worn or loose components affect the suspension systems ability to control
motion and alignment angles, resulting in a deterioration of vehicle
handling and stability, and accelerated tire wear. The main components of
the suspension system are:
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