Clunking Noise
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Western Pennsylvania
Clunking Noise
My ball joints have been squeeking for 2 months now. I am going to replace next week. Its 4x4 1998 4.6 XLT.Just the other day, I am starting to hear a slight clunk every now and then when I hit a small bump on the road. It sounds like its coming from the the driverside front but not totally sure because it doesnt do it all the time. The ball joints sound like they are still squeeking but not that bad.
Have I did more damage by waiting or do you guys think its just the ball joints wearing more?
Any Idea on whats wrong and an estimate on a repair cost at other than a ford garage? I have cancer and am not working right now so my budget is tight!!!
Help me out?
Bowdog
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,466
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From: N. Fort Myers,FL
The clunking can be from a bad ball joint, so it might go away when you replace them.
As far as an estimate.. it depends on many things. What brand of ball joints do you plan to use? Moogs are good, and last a long time if you grease them occasionally.
I wouldnt take it to a ford dealer.. they will give you a very high estimate, trust me. They would probably charge you at least $400 in parts, then you got labor($$$) and an alignment(about $40). If you went to a dealer, they would probably charge you total about $800 for all ball joints replaced, alignment, and labor.
If you go to a good local shop, they would probably charge you probably no more than $5-600.
As far as an estimate.. it depends on many things. What brand of ball joints do you plan to use? Moogs are good, and last a long time if you grease them occasionally.
I wouldnt take it to a ford dealer.. they will give you a very high estimate, trust me. They would probably charge you at least $400 in parts, then you got labor($$$) and an alignment(about $40). If you went to a dealer, they would probably charge you total about $800 for all ball joints replaced, alignment, and labor.
If you go to a good local shop, they would probably charge you probably no more than $5-600.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,218
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From: Fl
More than likely its your BJ's. Are you planning on replacing uppers and lowers? If you do your uppers, they come as one unit with the control arms too. I did both when I did them. Also, check your Idler Arm. Ive gone through 2 and almost done with my 3rd. (Advance Auto Parts make some cheap *** crap).
Agreed on not taking it to a dealer. Go to a garage you trust, or you could be taken advantage of. If i remember right, parts didnt cost me more than $200 and about 1-2 hrs to do it.
Agreed on not taking it to a dealer. Go to a garage you trust, or you could be taken advantage of. If i remember right, parts didnt cost me more than $200 and about 1-2 hrs to do it.
