Replacing Lower Ball joint.

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Aug 24, 2004 | 07:00 PM

Southern Comfort

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Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 5,203

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From: Las Vegas Nevada

Replacing Lower Ball joint.

Is $285 bucks too much to replace a lower ball joint and alignment?

Aug 24, 2004 | 07:05 PM

bogus

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 40,156

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From: San Pedro CA

It's not that hard... I did my lowers in a matter of minutes with the right tool.

Aug 24, 2004 | 07:48 PM

Southern Comfort

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 5,203

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From: Las Vegas Nevada

And what would that tool be? I see the one in the shop manual that looks like the same tool for u joints but bigger.

Aug 24, 2004 | 08:56 PM

CentralCoaster

Team Owner

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 24,337

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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southern Comfort

Is $285 bucks too much to replace a lower ball joint and alignment?

A good vette alignment by itself is $150, so it doesn't sound unreasonable. They do know they're doing a 4-wheel corvette alignment right? They've gotta deal with rear toe & rear camber...

Aug 25, 2004 | 12:52 AM

ZELLSLIFE

Racer

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 406

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From: BAY AREA CALI

I just had my 95 aligned to VBP specs at a local Chrysler dealer witha new state of the art machine all four wheels for $60.00

Aug 25, 2004 | 12:55 AM

ZELLSLIFE

Racer

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 406

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From: BAY AREA CALI

Just to make sure we are talking about the same part the lower ball joint or tie rod end is what you are talking about right if so they are about $39.00 apiece and took us about 30 minutes to install both sides on the front including the greasing the rear uses the same part. It wasn't a hrad job at all.

Aug 25, 2004 | 01:30 AM

Frizlefrak

Race Director

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 17,551

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From: El Paso Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southern Comfort

Is $285 bucks too much to replace a lower ball joint and alignment?

It's not outrageous, but do it yourself and save $90 for about 2 hours of work.

Ball Joint from Napa = $89
Renting ball joint fork from Auto Zone = Free
Having brake shop press out old ball joint and press in new one = $30
Good 4 wheel alignment from reputable shop = $75

Grand total = $194

Seriously, this is a lot easier than it looks.

Support the car on a jack stand
Place a floor jack under the control arm and lift slightly
Disconnect shock absorber and sway bar.
Remove nut from ball joint, and lower jack slightly.
Insert fork between ball joint and control arm, and smack it with a hammer.
Once it separates, lower the control arm slowly to relieve spring pressure
Remove two bolts that connect to frame, and remove control arm.

Install is reverse, just be sure to torque everthing correctly. Pay yourself $45 an hour in labor.

May as well change the bushings while you have it off.