Ball Joint

The ball joint forms the connection of the steering arm with the track rod. In other words, the connection between the steering gear and the wheels are made by a ball joint. These ball joints are enclosed in a steel casing and sealed with a rubber ring. It is essential that these joints are protected against moist and dirt in order to form a play free connection. This is necessary to avoid vibrations in the steering wheel and excessive tire wear. So, do you feel vibrations in the steering wheel, then you will want to check the ball joints. Make sure that the rubber rings are fitted correctly and are in a good condition.

During the MOT there is special attention for the dust covers, to make sure that they are in a good condition. This is a good reason to ask for a fresh MOT when you are buying a car.

In short, the steering wheel gives you a lot of information that can point out for example a poor wheel or a worn out ball joint. However there are other possibilities too, like crooked brake discs or tires that are not completely round. A vibration in the steering wheel is a strong indication for repairs or maintenance, and therefore should not be taken lightly during the test drive.

If you want to have a clear view of the suspension, you should put the car on a lift in the shop. If this is not an option, you can use a digital camera with flash to take a couple of photo's from the space behind the wheels. On the camera's display you will have a clear view of the suspension.

Conclusion

Make sure that all the wheels are in good condition, especially with older cars. Are you buying a car without warranty or a fresh MOT, check the dust covers for damages and correct fitting. When one of these covers is ripped, the ball joint or CV joint that is exposed has to be checked and probably renewed.