The BMW 3 Series is known for many things, one of which is the smooth rides it provides due to its stability on the road. One component that makes this possible is the ball joint, which is part of the front suspension system.
The ball joints connect your car’s wheels to the car frame and allow for free movement in various directions (up, down, left, and right). However, when these joints fail, you may begin to experience various suspension problems such as bumpy rides or vibrations when driving. If you recognize the signs of failure early enough, you may be able to save your car from further suspension damage.
Reasons for Ball Joint Failures in a BMW 3 Series
The ball joint has various parts and components that help to ensure the smooth rotation of your car’s wheels, without transferring the motion to the cabin. However, if any of these parts run into problems, you could experience ball joint failure. Here are some common causes of this failure:
- Poor Maintenance Culture: One of the major causes of suspension issues in a car is poor maintenance. If you do not follow a maintenance routine where you inspect the suspension system and fix minor faults, your car’s ball joints will become easily susceptible to faults which can then lead to a failure. Lubrication is another important aspect of maintenance as it helps to reduce friction between the parts of the ball joints. However, without lubrication, the ball joints can wear out and get damaged.
- Heavy Loading: Another reason why the ball joints in a car could fail is the presence of excessive load on the suspension. If you frequently carry heavy loads in your car, it won’t be long before your car’s ball joints give way. Every vehicle has a weight limit, and once this limit is exceeded, your car’s suspension will have to work harder to maintain stability. The pressure on the system can cause component failures.
- Other causes are bad road conditions, rough driving, faulty installation, and compounded wear and damage.
Common Signs of Ball Joint Failures in Your BMW 3 Series
Here are some signs to look out for to tell if your car’s ball joints are bad.
- Strange Noises: If you hear strange noises coming from the front suspension area, then it may be a sign for you to inspect the ball joints for wear or damage. The ball joints make loud grinding, squeaking, or popping sounds when its parts are bad or worn out. These sounds get even worse when you go over a bump or turn a corner.
- Steering Wheel Vibrations: One of the functions of the ball joints is to prevent the rotational movement of the wheels from getting to the car’s cabin. However, if the ball joints fail, you may begin to feel every movement that your car makes on the road. In this case, the steering wheel could become unstable or could start to vibrate when you are driving.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Another sign that points to a ball joint fault in your car is an uneven distribution of wear in the tires. This happens because a failing joint cannot properly hold the suspension in place; this results in misalignment or misplacement of the car’s suspension. As a result, some tire parts will have more road contact than others and this means they have more wear than the other parts.
- Loose Steering: Apart from steering vibrations, if you notice that your car’s steering wheel is now loose or has too much play, you may need to check the ball joints for damage. If your BMW’s ball joints are in great shape, you can leave the steering wheel for your car to move in a straight line; however, when the ball joints are damaged or worn out, the steering could wander or drift to the side.
Expert Center for BMW Ball Joint Repair in North Carolina
If you notice any of the above signs 
of ball joint failures in your BMW, you should try to find help immediately, as any delay could worsen the situation and put your car at a safety risk. The best help you can give your car is getting a professional with experience in handling ball joint failures. EuroPro is your top auto repair shop in North Carolina where we take care of various European luxury cars including BMW vehicles. We have expert technicians who have years of experience in dealing with a multitude of automobile problems. Visit our shops in nearby Myrtle Beach and Charleston, SC, as well as Wilmington, NC. Call us today to speak with our technicians!