Ball Joints
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
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?
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?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,983
Likes: 2
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.
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.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 0
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.
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.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 689
Likes: 1
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.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
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.
Thanks for all the help. Once I get it back I will tell you how it drives.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 0
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
(with ball joints ) and lower left and right ball joints. ..labor only on 1998 Expy 2 wheel drive
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Ball Joint Repair
Originally Posted by bmconway76110
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?
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?
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.
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
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
expeditionph
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
3
Oct 10, 2013 05:05 PM