lower ball joint toast, change upper one too?

[Bandido]

I went to get an oil change and told the guys they should look at the suspension, because when I go over bumps I hear a klunk and you can feel a little loose steering.

They said, it's the lower ball joints and the right one is pretty bad!

So, should I just get the right one fixed or both sides lower BJs or both sides upper and lower, while they are working on it??

How much would be a fair price to get it fixed??

 

[Blee1099]

I went to get an oil change and told the guys they should look at the suspension, because when I go over bumps I hear a klunk and you can feel a little loose steering.

They said, it's the lower ball joints and the right one is pretty bad!

So, should I just get the right one fixed or both sides lower BJs or both sides upper and lower, while they are working on it??

How much would be a fair price to get it fixed??

You can do one side.. It should cost about ~$150-$200 depending on your area for the labor & parts to install one. however if you have some mechanical knowledge, it can be done by yourself along with a repair manual & some speciality tools like either a C-Clamp type ball joint tool or a press.

 

[Rhett]

You could get just one balljoint changed, but in my opin its better to change them all at the same time. If you just change the lower on the driver's side, then 6 months from now your uppers go bad. Then you gotta go in again and change them. I'd do em all at once.

 

[EBInterceptor]

I'd do both lowers, but uppers cost a lot more, so if it's not necessary do them later.

 

[Bandido]

I think Sears gave me quote for $234 for both lower ones... So I guess I should do that!
I might try it myself, but I don't have the tools!

thanks for the answers

 

[huskyfan23]

It's not bad, but for the uppers you need to replace the whole control arm. They'll go bad eventually so keep that in mind.

 

[Bandido]

hm, I guess they right thing would be to get them done now too, huh? But I am kinda short on money... But I guess if get a good deal on new tires, I might invest it on all new ball joints. Then I should be done with them for a while!

 

[JasonF]

Regardless of who does them, make sure you are getting MOOG or Spicer parts with grease fittings. The MOOG replacement uppers are about $100 but they also include replaceable joints in case they ever go bad again, which will save you money.

Jason