My 2001 F-150 SuperCrew Off Road has 84,000 miles on it. I just recently put new COOPER tires on it. The guy at the tire shop, says that it needs new ball joints.

He put a big pry bar under the tires, and showed me some movement, in what he said is worn out ball joints.

I am NOT a mechanic, and I don't know a ball joint from nuthin'. I just can't believe that the ball joints are shot. I'm did NOT see any unusual wear on the tires that I replaced. (They had 79,665 miles on them).

The truck has been serviced regularly, complete with tire rotations, grease jobs, etc.

Is this common ??

Thanx,

Fat Ford Boy

 

It is very common for the lower balljoints on that vehicle to be worn out with 80k miles. How much movement was in the joint? It is okay for there to be some movement in the lower balljoint. I'm not sure on the specification, but if it has over 3/16" movement I would reccomend replacing it.

I would consider yourself lucky to get 80k out of those. We get the same trucks in the shop with only 40k miles and the balljoints are dangerously worn out.

By the way, from the factory your lower balljoints are sealed/non greasable.

Take it to another shop and get a second opinion if you don't trust the guy.

Did he give you an estimate on the job? Should be around $500.00 US for parts/labor/alignment

 

I have estimates from 4 FORD dealers, from $624.70---$958.73

From what he showed me, there was more than 3/16" movement

 

When they are replaced, can they install greaseable ones ??

 

Those estimates seem high to me. Is that for just the lowers or is that doing all 4? (uppers and lowers)

I'm not sure if you an get a greasable joint or not. I don't remember if the fitting will clear the axle.

 

Both uppers, and lowers, and a alignment job

 

About $840 for all 4 with alignment.

That is with Napa parts. Check with the dealers to see if they will install greasable parts if you supply them. At our shop we only sell and install our own parts, unless they're rare or specialty.

Or just stick with the OE non-greasable parts and get another 80k miles out of them.

 

greasable ball joints at Auto Zone are about $50 each for the life time units and $20 for the 1 year guarantee. (each). It takes about 3-4 hours to do each side if you are not real familiar with it. I did one side in 3 hours, the other in 2 in a home garage. You got to have plenty of tools.

 

Lowers replaced with greasable ones for a litlle over $300.00 at 60K miles.
TonyC

 

my "01" 5.4 auto, offroad just got new ball joints and an updated idler arm from ford at 58,000 miles. my friend is service mgr and they see them all the time. ford replacements are greaseable.

 

NEVER EVER Trust any thing they say about the mechanics of you vehicle at a tire shop. Always take it to your mechanic to check it out.

They really get almost a grand to do ball joints? Wow! Live in NC? Bring it here and I'll do it for half that. I'll even throw in a set bake pads. Course I'm not set up to do an alignment, but I've never found that necessary after replacing the ball joints.

Auto Zone and Advance both will lend you tools and you can do it yourself, but it is a real pain most times.

 

How important are the ball joints? What if someone were to let it ride.. so to speak?

 

Well, they kind of hold the wheel on lol. I know they can, but I've never seen one come lose while a car was moving. They generaly pop apart right when you come to a stop. The front end drops onto the wheel. Mostly though, all you have to worry about is your tires wearing out on the edges.

 

That estimate sound kind of high. My ball joints lasted 165,000 miles. Replaced them with MOOG and never plan on looking back, and if it is necassary, the lifetime warranty will back it up. The uppers cannot be replaced by themselves and the whole control arm has to be replaced, not a bad deal though as that cost about the same as just the joints.

 

worn out ball joints will allow the tires to move in and out 1/4 to 1/2 inch as you drive down the road. you should be able to feel it once it gets bad enough. if you let it go, it will wear out a set of tires in 20,000 miles. i have only see one ball joint actually fall apart in the last 30 years. it is rare, but was not a pretty sight. the truck rolled over on a curve after joint failed.