lower ball joints
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New User
Joined: Nov 2011
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lower ball joints
Ford replaced my lower ball joints and tie rod ends about 20000 miles ago after over 90000miles on the originals. I recently took car due to thump up front and I thought maybe I had a loose wheel since they just rotated tires. Tech said I need lower ball joints and front sway bar links. I think I am being hosed, especially at over 800dollars. I only drive about 10000 miles per year here locally on roads that are in good shape. No off roading, etc. How can the lower ball joints be worn already. I even get the alignment checked. Any comments. Thanks
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 715
Likes: 11
From: Erie, PA
-Do as much work as you can yourself as shops have huge overhead, and need to charge the amount they charge to survive & be profitable.
-Ball joints today can be total crap. Ford / Moog / TRW is the only brands to use. The china stuff I have used in the past and you are lucky to get more than 10k out of them.
-Ball joints today can be total crap. Ford / Moog / TRW is the only brands to use. The china stuff I have used in the past and you are lucky to get more than 10k out of them.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 94
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Had cheap chinese lower ball joint installed on my F150 4x4 and got 5 years of hard service out of it, just had to replace it this year. Other side was replaced about 8 years ago with OEM Ford part (non-greaseable) and it's still solid.
My estimate at the shop was 7 hours labour to replace the 2 upper A-Arms (upper joints aren't replaceable on OEM) and 1 lower ball joint : total tab was $1250 plus taxes, and this wasn't at stealership rates.
I borrowed tools from the local parts store and installed quality aftermarket parts myself in 4 hours total cost $225, including beer. I will invest another $70 in a rack alignment to complete the job.
My estimate at the shop was 7 hours labour to replace the 2 upper A-Arms (upper joints aren't replaceable on OEM) and 1 lower ball joint : total tab was $1250 plus taxes, and this wasn't at stealership rates.
I borrowed tools from the local parts store and installed quality aftermarket parts myself in 4 hours total cost $225, including beer. I will invest another $70 in a rack alignment to complete the job.
New User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: NINE MILE FALLS, WA
i prefer MOOG suspension parts, you should be able to to it for under $200 in parts. rent, borrow or buy the tools you need, the ball joint press is like $40 at harbor freight.
the rates and markup at shops is really high, but like said they have to charge that to stay in business
the rates and markup at shops is really high, but like said they have to charge that to stay in business
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