Ball Joints

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Nov 14, 2006 | 06:52 PM

bmconway76110

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Ball Joints

I took my 2001 Navigator with 109000 miles to Firestone to have the front pads and rotors replaced. They said the right lower ball joint was worn, but the left was still tight. They suggested replacing both and as the idler arm as it had some play in it.

I am wondering a few things.

1) What are the symptoms of a worn ball joint?
2) What are the symptoms of a worn idler arm?
3) Should I replace both ball joints even if one is still tight?
4) Can I put this repair off for a few thousand mile, or is it dangerous?
5) The estimate to repair both ***** joints is $401.18, idler arm is $193.99, aligment for $64.99. Is this about right for the repairs?

Nov 14, 2006 | 07:39 PM

FTE Herman

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1. A worn ball joint might cause chopping of the tires, wandering, or a general feeling of looseness. However, if they had it on a lift and showed you what loose was, you'd be surprised (it's about 1/16" of play).
2. Same as above.
3. No, if you don't mind going back later for just another ONE.
4. No comment. (Sorry, it's our litigious society.)
5. Ball joints and alignment sound fine. Idle arm seems pricey.

Nov 14, 2006 | 07:42 PM

Gevans17

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ball joint

98 Expedition, I was quoted $280 to replace both right and left ball joints and both right and left upper control arms, which includes new bushings and ball joint on the upper control arm..... this price is labor only, plus $50 for alignment.

I am supplying the shop with new Moog parts I ordered online. If you replace the OEM with another Motocraft part, you will NOT be able to grease them, as they do not have grease fittings. Moog does.
I paid $70 each for the new lower ball joints from Moog.
Hope this helps.

Nov 15, 2006 | 08:47 PM

2000Expy

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From: VA

The lower ball joints are critical, you don't want them coming apart. Replace both, make sure they come with grease fittings. Check to make sure they reattach everything after the job. I found out the hard way when the clown didn't reattach the sway bar end-links. They both ended up falling off and had to be replaced.

Nov 16, 2006 | 02:44 PM

bmconway76110

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Its at Midas

Well, I called around and Midas had the best deal for Moog parts, so it is over there getting all fixed, except for the idler are, which and wait a while.

Thanks for all the help. Once I get it back I will tell you how it drives.

Nov 16, 2006 | 06:14 PM

bmconway76110

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Fixed

Pick it up from Midas. Drives like new and the idler arm is fine. Thanks for the help.

Nov 23, 2006 | 07:19 PM

Gevans17

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Pepboys quoted $230 to replace both the right and left upper control arms
(with ball joints ) and lower left and right ball joints. ..labor only on 1998 Expy 2 wheel drive

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Nov 25, 2006 | 07:59 AM

DRocky

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Ball Joint Repair

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmconway76110

bmconway,

That seems early with the mileage. However, considering the age, maybe not. These are heavy vehicles. If they didn't show you when it was in the shop, you can jack up the side which they indicated was bad, just as if you are going to change the tire. When off the ground, grab the wheel firmly at 3 and 9, and see if you can move it back and forth a little. It won't be much. If it has a little play in it, then it probably is worn. The biggest indicator is that the tire will start to wear oddly on the inside. It will create "cupping" in the tire, as they call it, which will give you a bumpy ride. If it becomes extremely worn, I've been told that the wheel can literally fall off. The price seems very reasonable compared to the quotes i received. I would go ahead and replace both because the other one is not far behind it. You can wait, but check how much play the wheel has to see how bad it is.