Your BMW 3 Series is known for its sharp handling, exceptional performance, and luxurious driving experience, but only if you don’t ignore ball joint failures. Ball joints connect the steering knuckles to the suspension system, allowing the wheels to move smoothly when turning and help to absorb bumps in the road giving you a much more comfortable ride. Ignoring a ball joint failure can lead to serious safety concerns and can have you spending much more money on repairs than you ever thought you’d have to spend.
What Are Ball Joints and Why Are They Important?
Ball joints are an important part of your BMW 3 Series’ suspension system. They act as a pivot point between the control arms and the steering knuckles, allowing the wheels to move up and down while also enabling the steering system to function smoothly. So, as you drive around the Appleton, WI area enjoying the natural beauty the area has to offer, you can thank your ball joints for absorbing the bumps along the roads you travel.
Ball joints are designed to last a long time, but due to constant use, they can wear out. As they wear, they can start to loosen which in turn can start causing bigger issues and make it so your vehicle becomes unsafe to drive.
The Risks of Ignoring Ball Joint Failures
The last thing you should do is ‘stick your head in the sand like an ostrich’ and ignore ball joint failure. You can find yourself struggling to keep your car on the road to other safety risks.
You might start to notice a change in the handling of your BMW 3 Series as time goes on. If you feel vibrations in the steering wheel, notice difficulty turning, or experience looseness in the steering, the most likely culprit is going to be the ball joint. You could find yourself unable to make it to some of the nearby beaches due to issues with the ball joints as when these wear out you will struggle to make turns.
Since the ball joint is a key part of your suspension system, a failure can start causing issues with the entire suspension system. When this happens, you can bet you’re in for an uncomfortable ride! As you head to the golf course, you will find that your whole car is going to feel like it’s vibrating to the point you feel like you are going to start seeing parts fall off! Now, it’s not because you are going to the golf course – it has to do with your ball joints.
A worn-out ball joint can also cause alignment issues in your BMW 3 Series. When the ball joint becomes loose or worn, the wheels may stay where they are supposed to and you’ll start feeling like you are getting pulled to one side or the other when you are driving. This can cause uneven tire wear and cause even more issues. You’ll find yourself watching money leave your bank account for new tires and additional repairs – more than you bargained for!
When a ball joint starts to fail, it can put extra stress on other parts of your BMW’s suspension system. The control arms, shock absorbers, and steering rack can all be affected by a worn or loose ball joint. Just like uneven wear on your tires can have you spending money on new tires when you didn’t plan to, the ball joints wearing out can have you putting money towards other parts as well if you don’t take care of the ball joints right away.
Why Choose Rob’s Import Repair?
If you’re experiencing issues with your ball joints, don’t wait until they cause further damage to your BMW 3 Series. At Rob’s Import Repair, located in Appleton, WI, we specialize in repairing and maintaining European vehicles, including BMWs. Our team of experienced technicians knows all about catching ball joint issues early – we want to make sure you have the least amount of down-time while getting your vehicle repaired. If you want to make sure your ball joints are in good working order – go ahead and stop in and chat with us!