Driving with bad ball joints
 

Whats the risk. Almost all of my boots are cracked on my sd and the lower ( i think thats it) drivers side ball joint (the big one at the spindle) looks pretty far gone. There is also a knocking noise when I hit even small bumps in the road (which i think is that ball joint). I plan to replace them, but they are not my priority right now. Whats the worst that can happen? The neck of the ball joint snaps off? Or i just get more and more play in my steering.





I ordered the ball joint on my last parts order but Id like to do all the bushings and everything while im at it. Anyone actually have a ball joint failure? Sounds scary

I think they'll just start making noise, and the alignment cannot be adjusted within MB spec.

That has been known to happen. Keeping the joints well lubricated would be a good thing.

Eventually they will fail, and they are permanently lubed/sealed. If the boots tear, you can prolong them by spraying grease in.
As mentioned, they creak, and after awhile, you can't get a good alignment.

Replace them. Your life and car are worth more than the $50 for the joints and the related labour to install them.

you'd be amazed by how expensive suspension parts on a w126 are, especially compared to a 123.

I just had a lower ball joint replaced on my 123 for $100. It should be no more difficult on a 126, good luck.

The ball joints go bad with a clacking sound when going over bumps. Or more of a "tok tok tok" sound, rather. That's the ball moving about in its housing. I wouldn't worry much about it if it just started making that noise.

:confused:

^^^^^
I would crap my pants too if the wheel spindle came off the ball joint. I just saw a mid '80s Tbird at a parking lot where it has lost a lower ball joint. The wheel was flipped up like the Delorean in Back to the Future II:eek:

I have just sunk about $700 into the front suspension of the SDL, more if you count the new tires and shocks. It was well worth it for the ride and handling (rides like a limo corners like a BMW) If we only need to go through the pain every 20 years or so I can handle it

It would not surprise me if 45% or more of all cars on the road have worn out ball joints.

I know a lady with a 2001 BMW that already had them worn out.

Jack up each front tire.

Put one hand on top and one hand on the bottom and try to rock it. Do the same from side to side.
If it's really loose and you get a lot of movement don't drive it anymore.
If it's stiff and movement is minimul and your sure the joint is ok for now then drive it but plan on fixing it soon.

Danny

Answer:
 

* Serious vehicle damage
* Loss of steering
* Spin out in traffic
* Roll over at speed
* DEATH, yours or theirs




Please don't risk other peoples lives.

I would make a plan to change them.
I just did the whole front end of my car, cost in parts was high, the lower BJ was only about $20. A local shop pressed them in for another $20. So $100 and a weekend. figure 300 if you want to do the top ones also.
Mine had been this way for a long time, and when I removed them, other than a torn boot they were not too bad.
In my opinion it is something that you should do, but you have time to schedule it. Sure that is where the sound was coming from? and not the guide rod mount

In my experience, balljoints squeak, not rattle.