mechanics.tradeSuspension ball joints
Testers wrote suspension ball joints down 731,444 times during 2025, 16th on a list of 265 kinds of defect.
731,444recorded in 2025
2.4%of all recorded defects
16thon the national list
What it is
A ball joint lets the suspension move up and down while the wheel steers. The tester levers the wheel to feel for movement in the joint itself, which is different from checking its rubber cover.
What the tester can write down
| Wording on the certificate | Category | Recorded in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | Major | 552,501 |
What you can do about it
Excessive play affects how the car holds a line and how evenly the tyres wear. On many cars the joint comes as part of the suspension arm, so ask the garage which applies to yours before agreeing.
Advisories
Testers also noted this 731,164 times in 2025 as an advisory, without failing the car for it. That is worth acting on before the next test comes round.
Nearby on the list
Every defect on the list, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.