Ball joint advice
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 66
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From: Ozark, MO
Ball joint advice
I have a 2002 4wd V10 with 112,000 miles on it and the ball joints are starting to show wear. Having some vibration issues at highway speeds and first indications of abnormal tire wear. I have recently replaced the hubs and rotors due to bearing noise.
I am not inclined to do this work myself due to age and arthritis so I am looking for what others have paid to get the job done. My local dealer is saying $800 for the ball joints and alignment. Seems a little high in my mind (for no reason though) but I do not harbour any ill feelings toward the dealership. (They pulled my engine, replaced one head due to a blown plug at over 80,000 miles and Ford paid for it.)
I understand that many F250s have to have ball joints at around 80,000 miles. I stay on the pavement and most of my miles are highway. (Whatever that might indicate.)
I am not inclined to do this work myself due to age and arthritis so I am looking for what others have paid to get the job done. My local dealer is saying $800 for the ball joints and alignment. Seems a little high in my mind (for no reason though) but I do not harbour any ill feelings toward the dealership. (They pulled my engine, replaced one head due to a blown plug at over 80,000 miles and Ford paid for it.)
I understand that many F250s have to have ball joints at around 80,000 miles. I stay on the pavement and most of my miles are highway. (Whatever that might indicate.)
Joe28443
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,163
Likes: 4
From: Hampstead NC
Dealer wanted to charge me 822. I bought them myself for around 150 and I am having a mechanic friend do the work for me. He picked it up this morning so I am curious myself how much its gonna cost. I am thinking its not going to be 650 though so I am hoping I am gonna save a little. I will let you know as soon as I get it back
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 214
Likes: 7
From: East Tenn
I got Raybestos greaseable ball joints from Rock Auto for ~$110 and had mechanic friend change them out. It took about 3 hours since the old ones were solidly stuck in there, but some heat and some solid pounding got em out. With a press to push them out and the new ones in, the time should be faster. I think I paid him about $200 for that job. I would recommend this route if you know anyone who works at a shop.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: bucks county, pa
I prefer moog ball joints. Cheapest I found them is actually on amazon. If I recall though you need to pull the axels too so you'll need diff fluid, axel seals, those silly vacuum seals and be carefull not to trash the unit bearing when pulling it out. The first time I did one on my dodge I pulled the bearing apart. Its best to beat them out from the back side. Other then that that price seems about right for all that work. For the same price I just bought a dana 60 and put it under.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
I just had both upper and lower done at Les Schwab, I think they are only out west. I paid $520.00 + $54.00 for the alignment.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,702
Likes: 1,027
From: Near Yosemite CA
I just did the ones on my 02 Ex, 115,000 AND 315's on it, I helped one of our mechanics at the shop do them, 2 hrs we were done, I was quoted 5 hrs at the 2 shops locally, so do the math on the hourly rate + parts. 8 bills is about right. However, if you buy MOOGs at the auto parts store for $237 and you have a friend do them, it will cost you about 2 hrs of work. I would buy the MOOGs, and then go to a few shops and ask what the charge hourly, it is a 5hr job by the book.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
Before you commit to doing ball joints, check the bottom shock mount bolts. Re-torque if necessary. I had these slip on my 03.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
I've had both Rancho 9000s and now Bilsteins. Either would work well for you. I found that I never adjusted the Rancho 9000s after the first few months, so Bilsteins seemed a better match to my operating habits.
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