Is the X safe to drive?

[g8r]

I brought my 95 X into the shop to have it looked at as the front left tire was wearing on the outside. He put it up on hoists and showed me there is some play by moving the front wheels side to side. The mechanic says its not safe to drive. That the balls joints might just separate. Anyways he says I need two tie rod ends and two lower ball joints. Thing is I need the X to go to work. Should I just take the day off or just drive it another day (80 miles)?
BTW he says its gonna cost about $1000. Is that reasonable?Thanks Guys

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Hard to diagnose over the net, but if the balljoints do seperate, the front wheel and spindle can come off the truck. However, he could just be trying to sell you parts.

Jack up the front of the truck securely, and grab the wheel at the 6 oclock and 12 oclock positions. If it rocks back and forth in the BJs, fix them fast.

 

[IAmTodd]

If the ball joints were failing, wouldn't it wear on the inside though? Atleast mine did when the lowers were shot. Try to get a second opinion.

 

[Positive Vibes]

How does it feel while driving??

Also I would get a second opinion.

 

[g8r]

Actually it feels fine while driving. I only took it in cause of the tire wear. I called my old mechanic ( another town ) and hes gonna price it for me and/or recommend someone local for me. I am gonna dirive it. I guess I better take it easy tho.

 

[IAmTodd]

I guess I better take it easy tho.

No more jumping speed bumps now

 

[X~FACTOR]

$1000 sounds waaaaay too much. Definitely get a second opinion.

 

[97BlackX5.0]

1000 for uppers and lowers and tie rod ends with labor doesnt sound that much more than normal... lots of people post about this and usually it is about 800.... is that 1000 in canadian money?

 

[g8r]

Ya thats the funny money. But for only lowers and tie rods.

 

[old mechanic]

Ya thats the funny money. But for only lowers and tie rods.

That sounds high. Get another price and if your EX needs them get it done ASAP!

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

If the ball joints were failing, wouldn't it wear on the inside though? Atleast mine did when the lowers were shot. Try to get a second opinion.

Yeah, if lowers are bad, your wheel will be tilted inward, showing signs of wear on the inner side. Opposite with bad uppers...it'll let the top of the tire fall towards the outside. He definitely needs another opinion.


$1000 for the work is a little steep (even in Loonies & Toonies). I would have said $6-700. Check their labor rates, as this work (press time for BJs) takes longer than the usual repair. Get a second opinion, though, and do the 12/6 (BJs) and 9/3 (tie rods) o'clock tests (where you grab the wheel and try to tweak it to feel for excessive play).

I think you should have less than 1/8" (not much at all) play at any of the sides, so if you're pullin' on it and it moves more than that, you've got a problem.

 

[g8r]

Update:

First mechanic: Uppers are fine, outer tie rods and lower need replacing = $1100 (includes alignment) He specifically said there was nothing wrong with the uppers. He said if there was any play at all he would recommend changing them while we were at at.

Ford Dealer : Just a quote for the same work, $1000 plus alignment

Third mechanic boss recommended : Uppers+Lowers and outer tie rods= $1382. ( His quote included over $700 just for the parts , crook)

My old mechanic in another town: Just lower ball joints and outer tie rods needed. His completed price was $585 after taxes. Afterwards I figured I needed new tires anyways so I bought them from him $125 each for Yokohamas. I probably could have got some cheaper at Costco but I like Yokos anyways and got it over with. Total was $1220 CDN.

 

[Lloyd10977]

Nice work!

Sounds as if you made yourself a good deal. Not only for the work that was done, but in the rapport you have with a mechanic who can be trusted.

Good job!

BTW, I hope that the lower ball joints have grease fittings installed.

 

[Ranger Al]

$1K for ball joints and tie rods replacment! I am in a wrong profession! I guessed, I could never become a crook when come to fixing automobiles. I am sure glad you get it fix and and get more for your money.