[scoobdawg]

Was just at the dealer having an oil change - They're telling me I need a front ball joint replacement - They're suggesting both fronts be completed at once - The price quoted is $932. - This seems extremely high - What's the cost this should normally be? Should the ball joints be done alone or in tandem with Control arms? Assuming I need an alignment afterward?

Thanks!

[Unspec]

Front ball joint means nothing. Which ball joint?

[scoobdawg]

Originally Posted by Unspec

Front ball joint means nothing. Which ball joint?

All they told me was the Right front Ball joint in the suspension and to replace them in pairs (right/left) - There's nothing else on the quote - I asked about replacing the Control arm, but they said its not necessary - so thinking lower? I honestly know next to nothing about this, just what I read/research online which is dangerous

Thanks!

[OnlyGerman]

Since it's the dealer, tell them to fuck off and just finish the oil change.

[Unspec]

I'd ask specifically which ball joint it is, and then get a second opinion from an indy.

[scoobdawg]

Originally Posted by OnlyGerman

Since it's the dealer, tell them to fuck off and just finish the oil change.

Hah!! That's exactly what I did

[scoobdawg]

Originally Posted by Unspec

I'd ask specifically which ball joint it is, and then get a second opinion from an indy.

Just found out - Front Lower Control Arm Ball joint Right side - Though they recommend replacing both

[scoobdawg]

Originally Posted by scoobdawg

Just found out - Front Lower Control Arm Ball joint Right side - Though they recommend replacing both

I made a mistake with my original quote - So Dealer wants $1896 to replace both lower ball joints or $465 to just replace the right - My independent wants $804 for the ball joints or $1500 for the ball joints and Control Arm - Would assume I need an alignment after as well?

What's the right play?

Thanks!

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by scoobdawg

I made a mistake with my original quote - So Dealer wants $1896 to replace both lower ball joints or $465 to just replace the right - My independent wants $804 for the ball joints or $1500 for the ball joints and Control Arm - Would assume I need an alignment after as well?

What's the right play?

Thanks!

I'm confused. How can they offer a service where they only replace the ball joint? It's not a separate part of the control arm, it's replaced with the entire lower control arm (also referred to as a thrust arm). For reference, each control arm is ~$300 for genuine arms, so 600ish in parts (not including replacement hardware, so maybe another ~100 in those). The rest is all labor and profit margins, so it's your call.

Yes, you need an alignment after, but some placed include it as part of the repair.

[Blue Angel]

The lower ball joint is a separate part, #9 in this diagram. No need to replace the control arm.

No need for an alignment after replacing this ball joint. The only adjustment possible on the front suspension is toe, and it won't be off after this joint is replaced unless someone purposely messes with the outer tie rod. Any shop saying different is up-selling, and I wouldn't put it past a shop to charge for the alignment without even putting it on the rack.

For any DIY-ers reading, part #11 is a large nut that requires a 41mm 12-point socket. Not something most people will have handy. And don't forget the bolt that holds the axle to the hub/wheel bearing is torque-to-yield and needs to be replaced. This may need to come out to get the top nut off the ball joint on XDrive cars.

[Sylverlee]

Originally Posted by Unspec

I'm confused. How can they offer a service where they only replace the ball joint? It's not a separate part of the control arm, it's replaced with the entire lower control arm (also referred to as a thrust arm). For reference, each control arm is ~$300 for genuine arms, so 600ish in parts (not including replacement hardware, so maybe another ~100 in those). The rest is all labor and profit margins, so it's your call.

Yes, you need an alignment after, but some placed include it as part of the repair.

Btw when I changed my thrust arm before/after was still in spec. Not sure if the change was so minor or if there was no change at all.

[BimmerHausPerformance]

Where you at? Come to my place I will hook u up... highway robbery!!

[vfein]

Originally Posted by Blue Angel

The lower ball joint is a separate part, #9 in this diagram. No need to replace the control arm.

No need for an alignment after replacing this ball joint. The only adjustment possible on the front suspension is toe, and it won't be off after this joint is replaced unless someone purposely messes with the outer tie rod. Any shop saying different is up-selling, and I wouldn't put it past a shop to charge for the alignment without even putting it on the rack.

For any DIY-ers reading, part #11 is a large nut that requires a 41mm 12-point socket. Not something most people will have handy. And don't forget the bolt that holds the axle to the hub/wheel bearing is torque-to-yield and needs to be replaced. This may need to come out to get the top nut off the ball joint on XDrive cars.

I got myself into a bind here. I'm replacing the front passenger side axle. Instead of removing the lower wishbone from the subframe to route the axle out, I tried to remove the wheel suspension joint, somewhat damaging it in the process. The retaining ring popped out of position holding the boot to the bolt. Is this fixable without replacing? For the life of me I cannot get the wheel suspension joint - ball joint separated from the lower wishbone. How in the heck do you do this? I've tried a gear puller and even that concerns me in damaging either the threads or the torx. Any guidance?!

[Blue Angel]

Have you got any pictures to show what's going on? I'm having trouble trying to picture what the issue is.

BTW, when messing with CV axles be careful not to pull on them as you may separate the inner CV joint. I just did this while replacing the lower control arms on my Ford van and I had to remove the driveshaft and disassemble the CV joint (remove strap and pull back the boot) in order to realign and insert the bearings. Not fun!!!