Cadillac ball joint and Cadillac tie rod problems can turn your already soft older Caddy suspension into a mushy, out-of-control mess. On newer Cadillacs, the precision ride and handling that's been engineered into these cars can be completely thrown out of whack by a bad Cadillac ball joint or Cadillac tie rod. So let's take a look at what these two essential suspension components actually do. The Cadillac ball joint is located at the top (or at the top and bottom on some models) of the steering knuckle where it connects to the suspension A-arm. By allowing a full range of rotational motion with almost no up-and-down motion, the Cadillac ball joint permits your wheel to turn for steering purposes yet holds it firmly in place over bumps and dips so the shocks and springs can do their work properly. The Cadillac tie rod performs a similar function except it connects the steering linkage to the steering knuckle. The Cadillac tie rod allows up and down motion but no side-to-side motion-instead, the Cadillac tie rod pushes and pulls the steering knuckle in response to steering wheel inputs. Based on the descriptions above, it's obvious that your Cadillac tie rod and Cadillac ball joint are essential not only to proper steering geometry but also to ride and handling. A bad Cadillac tie rod or Cadillac ball joint will cause premature tire wear, loose, sloppy steering, and potentially dangerous handling characteristics. Considering how inexpensive our Cadillac tie rod and Cadillac ball joint selection is, it's foolish to put off replacing these important components. Order a new Cadillac ball joint and Cadillac tie rod for each side of your Catera or Deville today.