Front wheels on a Chevy s10 fall off if the ball joint is bad?

No, a bad ball joint on a Chevy S10 (or any vehicle) won't typically cause a wheel to *completely* fall off. While a severely damaged ball joint is extremely dangerous and will severely compromise steering and suspension, it usually leads to a more gradual failure. The wheel won't just detach; instead, you'll likely experience:

* Excessive play or looseness in the steering: The wheel will feel wobbly or sloppy.

* Unusual noises: Clunking, popping, or knocking sounds, especially when turning or going over bumps.

* Uneven tire wear: The tire will wear unevenly due to misalignment.

* Vibration in the steering wheel: This is a sign of significant suspension issues.

* Vehicle pulling to one side: The vehicle may pull strongly in one direction.

A complete wheel separation usually involves multiple components failing simultaneously (like complete failure of multiple suspension parts, including the ball joint *and* other crucial parts like the steering knuckle and cotter pins). A bad ball joint is a serious safety hazard and needs immediate attention, but it's unlikely to cause a wheel to instantly fall off on its own.