Ball Joint Replacement? on 2000
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
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Ball Joint Replacement? on 2000
I went to have the front end lined up yesterday and the mech. tells me I need to replace the upper and lower ball joints. There is some play in the tires and they have been wearing bad(the outside edge of the tire but only about 1/3 of the way around the tire). I guess my question is how hard are they to change? I have changed ball joints out in other cars and trucks and figure it should not be too bad. I am also planning on changing the shocks at the same time. Would the ball joints cause the tires to wear bad? The truck has 80K miles but all of that has been on the road. Thanks for any suggestions. Oh by the way the shop wanted $800 to replace them.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2004
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I changed mine (I also have a 2000 with similar miles) about six months ago. I'm by no means a machanic and I would say that its really not that hard of a job as long as you have the correct tools for the job (you have to have a ball joint press). FYI, you will be able to replace the lower ball joints, but on the upper you can't replace the ball joint alone, you have to change the whole upper control arm. I actually found it easier to replace the upper control arms than just replacing the lower ball joints. Read the threads on here about the process. It will take you some time but overall it's not all that hard of a job. One thing that I did while doing the job that you might also think about doing is replacing the inner and outer tie rod ends. You will already have everything taken apart and the additional parts don't cost very much. It would stink if you did all that work and went to have it aligned and they told you that you had too much play in your tie rod ends to ensure a good alignment (been there on my last car).
As for your question as to whether worn ball joints can cause irregular tire ware, yes it can.
Good luck with the job.
As for your question as to whether worn ball joints can cause irregular tire ware, yes it can.
Good luck with the job.
Last edited by mikecox1; Jun 22, 2005 at 08:21 PM.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: All over Texas
Just did my uppers two weeks ago. Two new control arms with ball joints already installed totaled $150 and was a quick easy job. I had my lowers replaced under warranty a couple years ago. IIRC, the invoice was around $300-$350 parts & labor. I'd bet if you did the job yourself, it wouldn't cost any more than $300 in parts + $50 for an alignment after the fact.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2004
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I had all 4 done a year ago at a Goodyear store. Cost $650 including alignment.
I usually do everything myself, but i got lazy, kinda comes with age. It was hard to stomach the labor costs, but worth it, since all i had to do is drop it off.
I usually do everything myself, but i got lazy, kinda comes with age. It was hard to stomach the labor costs, but worth it, since all i had to do is drop it off.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2008
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Just purchased a 2000 EB myself. Have to do the ball joints right away.
The local Canadian Tire quoted me $1260 for the job, $2000 if I include 4 new tires (fronts were worn pretty bad on the insides).
Managed to pick myself up 2 used Bridgestone Dueler A/T's with ~60% tread life for $40!! Got a local mechanic with a very good reputation to throw them on for me this morning. Did it for $47 (cheapest around for sure). He's also going to quote me on doing the upper and lower ball joints. I'm interested to hear how much it will be in comparison to the "big box" store.
I'll probably still end up doing it myself in the end..
The local Canadian Tire quoted me $1260 for the job, $2000 if I include 4 new tires (fronts were worn pretty bad on the insides).
Managed to pick myself up 2 used Bridgestone Dueler A/T's with ~60% tread life for $40!! Got a local mechanic with a very good reputation to throw them on for me this morning. Did it for $47 (cheapest around for sure). He's also going to quote me on doing the upper and lower ball joints. I'm interested to hear how much it will be in comparison to the "big box" store.
I'll probably still end up doing it myself in the end..
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,324
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From: 0,0,1
Hopefully you don't have the 4WD. If so, all 4 tires have to match or you'll destroy your 4WD system.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2008
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Tires are the same size and very close to the same tread pattern/wear, just a different brand.
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Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Seattle
Tires can be the same size (235/75r16) for example BUT they can still be a different height which equates to a different (bigger) circumference, and that can be a problem. Dan.
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Junior User
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Understood.
Just read this article: Tire Tech Information - Matching Tires on Four-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive Vehicles
I'll be sure to measure when I get home today.
Just read this article: Tire Tech Information - Matching Tires on Four-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive Vehicles
I'll be sure to measure when I get home today.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,324
Likes: 5,136
From: 0,0,1
Here's the link to that article for anyone else interested in reading it.
Tire Tech Information - Matching Tires on Four-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive Vehicles
Tire Tech Information - Matching Tires on Four-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive Vehicles
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