Ball joints
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 8
From: Williams Lake B.C.
Ball joints
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.
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.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
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.
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.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 0
From: Sunapee NH
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.
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.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
If that is not un-common I would say ford has a real issue??
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 8
From: Williams Lake B.C.
Its never been off the pavement.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 8
From: Williams Lake B.C.
Its only one side.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
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!!
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!!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 803
Likes: 0
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
Heck my first set on my 04 went @150,000 miles
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 8
From: Williams Lake B.C.
This fords in my signature , it falls under "Plus a few more"
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
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...♦
