Ball joints need to be replaced

[superhawk]

I just took my van to the shop to align it and he said the Ball Joints need to be replaced. Is 600 bucks about the going rate?
How hard of a job is it to do yourself?
Thank you

[Rick_101]

What make, year and model?

[WVFord]

The PO of my van had grease fittings added to the ball joints. He claimed they will last a lot longer that way.

[superhawk]

its a 95 E250

[theoldwizard]

Originally Posted by superhawk

I just took my van to the shop to align it and he said the Ball Joints need to be replaced. Is 600 bucks about the going rate?

I assume that is all 4 ball joints including labor and an alignment.

Still sounds high to me.

How hard of a job is it to do yourself?

It is do-able at home, but it is not for an amateur shade tree mechanic. You need to rent a ball joint press (most large auto parts store will rent them for free) and know how to use it !

A couple of semi-pro shade tree mechanics could probably get all 4 done in a day. Add an extra day for the "Aw SH!T" that inevitably happens during one of these projects !


SOAP BOX = ON
IMHO, ball joints and other suspension parts are one are where I am willing to spend extra to get name brand parts. I try to use only use Moog brand suspension parts. In your case, they make a heavy duty version of the part called "The Problem Solver" for a few bucks more. K8608T upper and K8609T lower. About $35-40 online.
SOAP BOX = OFF

[Rick_101]

Originally Posted by theoldwizard

I assume that is all 4 ball joints including labor and an alignment.

Still sounds high to me.

It is do-able at home, but it is not for an amateur shade tree mechanic. You need to rent a ball joint press (most large auto parts store will rent them for free) and know how to use it !

A couple of semi-pro shade tree mechanics could probably get all 4 done in a day. Add an extra day for the "Aw SH!T" that inevitably happens during one of these projects !


SOAP BOX = ON
IMHO, ball joints and other suspension parts are one are where I am willing to spend extra to get name brand parts. I try to use only use Moog brand suspension parts. In your case, they make a heavy duty version of the part called "The Problem Solver" for a few bucks more. K8608T upper and K8609T lower. About $35-40 online.
SOAP BOX = OFF

I agree. find a good mechanic who uses quality parts.

[BroncoJoe19]

It is a real PIA for a 4x4, but it doesn't look like it is terrible for a van.
You can do it yourself and save some money, especialy if you already have a decent set of tools.

You can probably rent/borrow the specialty tools you'll need,
a pickle fork, ball joint press, and torque wrench

You'll want to use a good set of jack stands.
air tools are also a plus.

When you are finished you'll still want to take it in for an alignment.

Autozone, advanced, and others have a decent tool loaner program, just leave a good sized deposit.

[superhawk]

cool, thanks guys, Now i need to see if i have the time to do it.