Mechanic told me yesterday that ball joints will cause uneven tire wear when they are in need of being replaced. Is this true?

He said mine are a little loose top to bottom but tight from side to side.

 

My ball joints have been bad for awhile but haven't seen any abnormal wear on my 1-year-old Hankooks. Also didn't see any alignment issues on the previous BFGs and Michelins the last time I needed ball joints. Just an unqualified observation.

 

for the most part, worn ball joints wont cause uneven wear. the play in them is very little compared to an alignment issue. to check your ball joints, lift your truck and see if you wheel has up and down play in it. anything over 1/4" and you need new joints.

 

if your upper bj's were so loose they introduced major side to side play (camber) it could wear tires uneve;y but a little up and down play in lowers shouldn't