Just had our 2010 F-150 4x4 XTR in for its 24,000 kms /15,000 mile check up.

Dealer says it needs ball joints.

They will change the ball joints but they wont do a front end alignment?

Seems to me if they knock the front end out changing the ball joints they should re alignent it?

Kinda like only doing half the job.

Its like if they had to replace the waterpump and charged you to take out the rad to get to the waterpump.

 

I would get a second opinion, I can't imagine ball joints gone at 15K miles, but it will have to be realigned when u do it but would probably be extra, except isn't this all done under warranty????

 

I'm judging by his location and profile picture, he probably works in forestry, spending lots of time on logging roads. It wouldn't suprise me if the balljoints have already failed after that kind of abuse.

 

If the Ford service repair manual calls for an alignment when you change ball joints, I'd say they owe you an alignment.

 

Are they replacing all or just one? I would think if it's just one, then it was just a poorly manufactured unit. If it's all, there's something more going on.

My factory service manual, 2011, makes no mention of performing an alignment after replacing a ball joint. Odd, but that seems to be the trend these days. Now if you were paying for the job, I'm sure they would have quoted the ball joint R&R and the alignment. But in that case, it's about adding profit. Regardless of if it's needed.

 

Not uncommon from what I've heard. 09+ Ball joints don't seem to be holding up as long as 04-08.

 

If that is not un-common I would say ford has a real issue??

 

Its never been off the pavement.

 

And how do you find out if its in the Ford service manual?

Its only one side.

 

I don't think that any of the Big 3 makers have durable front end parts anymore. They make everything non greasable and they just don't last. Ball joints and tierod ends are always an issue. This has been a Ford issue since the 97 model for sure.
15K is a bit premature for sure. The alignment should be covered since it is required after replacement.
Might be time for a new dealer!!

 

I agree with the majority, they owe you an alignment. By the way, you need to update your signature.

 

I should say I mean that they will go earlier than the 04-08 but yes that is early!

Heck my first set on my 04 went @150,000 miles

 

This fords in my signature , it falls under "Plus a few more"

 

I have a little trick I use on my 04, u may have seen them it is a large hypo dermic needle with a jerk on the other end that will fitin a grease gun just insert in the rubber boots of ball joints and tie rod ends pump full of grease and remove makes such a small hole no grease comes out and not water goes in so we will see how it works I am at on 70K, not sure what the 2011's, but to me it looks like ford has cheapened them up all the way around, the engine compartment on the 5.0 just plain looks cheap to me...♦

 

With 360 hp/380tq I could probably live with it