2001 Sports Trac lower ball joint replacement cost.

[mcbea]

I just got a quote from my local Ford dealer for a replacement of the lower ball joints. The quote is $816, this amount seemed very high to me. I plan to shop around and even explore doing it myself (very novice mechanic). Does this amount appear high or am I just being cheap?

 

[chad551]

It seems to me like they are trying to rape you. The ball joints are cheap, and if you have aball joint press it is simple to do yourself. Get a harbor Freight ball joint press and get some moog ball joints, and you can do the job yourself for 100.00.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the 2001-2005 Sport Trac section. There are many step by step threads on this site that would help you replace these parts yourself. Don't get ripped off paying several times what the job should cost.

 

[mcbea]

Thank you for the advice and help. I have located a set of step by step (pictorial) instructions for ball joint replacement from the site. Great site and keep up the good work.

 

[Darth Stang]

STOP!!!! I am going through the same thing and here are the facts:

The OEM control arm/ball joint assembly is a crap one piece unit, you cannot just replace the ball joints. You will have to replace the upper control arms with 2 piece units and the lower balls as well. That is probably what they are charging you for.

I'm going through negotiation with my local Big-O tire to have this work done and after researching, the parts may not be too bad, but the labor to replace control arms is the bulk of the cost. Summit has best pricing, but if you are not mechanically inclined, I'd suggest letting the dealer do the work once you confirm what I've told you. Dealer should charge between 5-7 hours labor and maybe $200-300 parts. you should see if they will price match from Summit or Jegs.

 

[XPTB]

I'm about to have to do this same thing. My upper and lowers are about done. I was quoted $700 or so and I'm sure not paying that. I think I'll be doing it myself.

Anyone know what the symptoms are for this? I heard that it will just wear your tires out quicker. Reason I ask is I'm not wanting to replace them just yet.

 

[Project_Sparta]

yes, will cause alot of tire wear. I have to replace my upper and lower, I bought a whole suspension kit from a member at Mysporttrac. for under 120. So look around. A local shop quoted me at 325.