Go to an auto parts store and spend the 12 bucks on a Haynes or Chilton repair manual for the year and make of your car. It will show in detail many, many different repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures. This is by far the best money you could spend on your car. It will save you much grief and effort and if you plan to keep the car, it will save you a lot of money on future repairs.
How to change neon ball joint?
Hard to explain here. Buy a neon manual that you can get at almost any parts store. It isn't to hard, but it is time consuming.
How to change neon ball joint?
The same way you change a pastel colored ball joint.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
1998 Dodge Durango - Loose ball joints?
After getting an oil change at Walmart Auto Center, a mechanic suggested I get a wheel alignment as the inside of one of my car's tires was beginning to wear.
Then I find out, after taking it to the appropriate place to do a wheel alignment, that I have four loose ball joints (upper and lower) on my front end.
I know this is common with Dodge Durangos. I've done my research and am not happy with my car anymore, after I get this fixed it's up for sale.
The first place I took it to gave me a quote of $1,100 - this covers the ball joints, tire rotation and alignment. Is this a deal?
I've never had anything repaired from this shop and want to ask around for a better deal, but before I do (I really my car to get back to work and school, and the place that is asking for $1,100 can do it right away), what's the average for a job like this?
1998 Dodge Durango - Loose ball joints?
that's way to high on replacing ball joints in that vehicle, i did one a few weeks ago and the bill was only about 800 and that was counting the new alignment on it,and i replaced all of them,you need to search around some before you let any shop repair this one,their taking advantage of you on that price,its not a good deal,their making it sound good by saying that they can take it in right away,but don't fall for that trick,its normal for those to need replaced though, its one of the durango,s bad faults,you need to also have them check the tie rod ends on it because bad ball joints will cause premature wear on the tie rod ends also,good luck.
1998 Dodge Durango - Loose ball joints?
your welcome.
how can that happen 4 ball joint at the same time? Wow $1,100 is alot for a old Durango in repair I had my transmission rebuilt on my 02 Durango for $1,250 dollars last week! I would check other repair shop for a different quote good luck,
Where are the tires wearing on the outside or inside?Why I'am you this is bec if the tires are only wearing on the outside and not the inside I highly doubt that both the upper and lower ball joints are gone.
I'd shop around and have a couple of other shops perform a free front end inspection and get their free quotes or estimates and I'd want to see exactly what parts are bad and be shown the play etc they have.
One of my concerns is you don't mention changing the front tires and if all 4 ball joints are worn out you'd need to replace the tires before ever getting any 4 wheel alignment performed on that vehicle otherwise the getting a 4 wheel alignment is useless.
I just checked with Parts Source here in Canada and the best replacement upper and lower ball joints with a lifetime warranty go for about 100 bucks each retail, or you can get both for under 100 bucks that come with a 1 yr warranty, also the lower ball joints are cheaper for a 4 wheel drive Durango.
Now if you consider the fact that each one takes 30 to 45 mins to replace you're looking at 2 to 3 hrs of labour at an average of about 80 bucks per hr.So the parts shouldn't run any more then 400 bucks and the labour about 240 bucks , plus the alignment is about 80 bucks.That is about 740 bucks without taxes so yes their price is a bit high for sure even if they charge 100 per hr 1,1000 bucks is high.
Again check around and remember that if you plan on selling it then don't spend the money on the lifetime warranty parts and you should be able to find a shop that will do the whole job for around 520 bucks plus taxes.
Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way there are some shops that will install parts that you supply and offer a flat rate per job so you might want to look into that, also the prices I was quoted aren't the lowest prices there are other parts suppliers that offer those parts even cheaper but I'd recommend using at least a mid grade or mid priced replacement part.You might even get one shop to do the labour then book another shop for the same day to do the alignment on it and remember if the tires are worn unevenly they need replacing too.
Then I find out, after taking it to the appropriate place to do a wheel alignment, that I have four loose ball joints (upper and lower) on my front end.
I know this is common with Dodge Durangos. I've done my research and am not happy with my car anymore, after I get this fixed it's up for sale.
The first place I took it to gave me a quote of $1,100 - this covers the ball joints, tire rotation and alignment. Is this a deal?
I've never had anything repaired from this shop and want to ask around for a better deal, but before I do (I really my car to get back to work and school, and the place that is asking for $1,100 can do it right away), what's the average for a job like this?
1998 Dodge Durango - Loose ball joints?
that's way to high on replacing ball joints in that vehicle, i did one a few weeks ago and the bill was only about 800 and that was counting the new alignment on it,and i replaced all of them,you need to search around some before you let any shop repair this one,their taking advantage of you on that price,its not a good deal,their making it sound good by saying that they can take it in right away,but don't fall for that trick,its normal for those to need replaced though, its one of the durango,s bad faults,you need to also have them check the tie rod ends on it because bad ball joints will cause premature wear on the tie rod ends also,good luck.
1998 Dodge Durango - Loose ball joints?
your welcome.
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how can that happen 4 ball joint at the same time? Wow $1,100 is alot for a old Durango in repair I had my transmission rebuilt on my 02 Durango for $1,250 dollars last week! I would check other repair shop for a different quote good luck,
Where are the tires wearing on the outside or inside?Why I'am you this is bec if the tires are only wearing on the outside and not the inside I highly doubt that both the upper and lower ball joints are gone.
I'd shop around and have a couple of other shops perform a free front end inspection and get their free quotes or estimates and I'd want to see exactly what parts are bad and be shown the play etc they have.
One of my concerns is you don't mention changing the front tires and if all 4 ball joints are worn out you'd need to replace the tires before ever getting any 4 wheel alignment performed on that vehicle otherwise the getting a 4 wheel alignment is useless.
I just checked with Parts Source here in Canada and the best replacement upper and lower ball joints with a lifetime warranty go for about 100 bucks each retail, or you can get both for under 100 bucks that come with a 1 yr warranty, also the lower ball joints are cheaper for a 4 wheel drive Durango.
Now if you consider the fact that each one takes 30 to 45 mins to replace you're looking at 2 to 3 hrs of labour at an average of about 80 bucks per hr.So the parts shouldn't run any more then 400 bucks and the labour about 240 bucks , plus the alignment is about 80 bucks.That is about 740 bucks without taxes so yes their price is a bit high for sure even if they charge 100 per hr 1,1000 bucks is high.
Again check around and remember that if you plan on selling it then don't spend the money on the lifetime warranty parts and you should be able to find a shop that will do the whole job for around 520 bucks plus taxes.
Hope that helps and best of luck.By the way there are some shops that will install parts that you supply and offer a flat rate per job so you might want to look into that, also the prices I was quoted aren't the lowest prices there are other parts suppliers that offer those parts even cheaper but I'd recommend using at least a mid grade or mid priced replacement part.You might even get one shop to do the labour then book another shop for the same day to do the alignment on it and remember if the tires are worn unevenly they need replacing too.
Jeep liberty--how many times have you had your ball joints replaced?
i have a 2005 and they have been replaced twice already--once b4 the recall, once after. going in for an oil change tomorrow and i've been feeling the same feeling that i did b4 when they needed to be replaced. how many times b4 you can expect them to do something about it? i've looked up the lemon law for NY and time limit is 18,000/2yrs. unfortunately i'm at 33,000. what do you all think? anyone else had problems?
Jeep liberty--how many times have you had your ball joints replaced?
Jeep has had a problem with the KJ ball joints. There have been 2 recalls out for the same reason. Some people have had ball joints replaced up to 5 times. And yes, it is something to worry about. When the balljoint gives out, you lose control of the vehicle and in most cases, body damage is unavoidable. If you are really concerned, contact Chrysler.
Jeep liberty--how many times have you had your ball joints replaced?
0 lol
it's just ball joints...you don't need to freak out and lemon law it for that. If it were the engine that needed replaced that many times, then i'd be thinking about lemon laws.
Sounds like you are getting ripped off. Ball joints should not have to be replaced that often. Unless you do some serious off road use. Unless the parts were cheap to begin with a good set of ball joints should last at least 10 years. You could have wheel or tire issues of maybe just need some bushings replaced.
I own several pre Chrysler Jeeps and have only replaced the ball joints only when rebuilding the front suspension or the off chance I break one.
you should never be charged again to have you lower ball joints replaced it doesnt matter how many times they fail they will ALWAYS be covered under the recall
Jeep liberty--how many times have you had your ball joints replaced?
Jeep has had a problem with the KJ ball joints. There have been 2 recalls out for the same reason. Some people have had ball joints replaced up to 5 times. And yes, it is something to worry about. When the balljoint gives out, you lose control of the vehicle and in most cases, body damage is unavoidable. If you are really concerned, contact Chrysler.
Jeep liberty--how many times have you had your ball joints replaced?
0 lol
it's just ball joints...you don't need to freak out and lemon law it for that. If it were the engine that needed replaced that many times, then i'd be thinking about lemon laws.
Sounds like you are getting ripped off. Ball joints should not have to be replaced that often. Unless you do some serious off road use. Unless the parts were cheap to begin with a good set of ball joints should last at least 10 years. You could have wheel or tire issues of maybe just need some bushings replaced.
I own several pre Chrysler Jeeps and have only replaced the ball joints only when rebuilding the front suspension or the off chance I break one.
you should never be charged again to have you lower ball joints replaced it doesnt matter how many times they fail they will ALWAYS be covered under the recall
Help with Bearings Ball joints and tie rod for escalade?
I had a bump in my 04 ESV and was getting the Stability control message. Today I went to the dealer and they told me the front bearings were very loose. Left upper and lower ball joints are loose. Right front inner tie rod end is loose and boot is torn. They quoted 1708 for parts and 1162 for labour total with tax 3330$. I found parts cheaper from part source and on ebay but wondered if it is difficult to change this myself.
Any help would be great some instruction how to change these parts.
Thanks for any help.
04 escalade esv with 200,000km. standard wheels
Help with Bearings Ball joints and tie rod for escalade?
I'll second Richards response! This is not a job you want to tackle. There are specialty tools required and an alignment needs to be done after the parts are replaced. The dealer quote seems really high to me as well. Try to find a reputable independent shop and have them inspect the vehicle and give you an estimate. Don't tell them what the dealer told you or found. See if they find and recommend the same items be replaced. You should also have them show you the parts and explain why they are bad. You do need to be prepared to pay them for their time in inspecting your vehicle and writing an estimate if you do not have them do the repairs.
Help with Bearings Ball joints and tie rod for escalade?
no very easy.
Easy for some, difficult for others. Buy yourself a shop manual or a Haines Manual. It will help you step by step. Hope you also have the necessary tools.
Not to be an *** here, but if you had to ask that question, you probably shouldn't. Unless you have a friend who is a whiz at mechanical things.
You said front bearings are very loose, these are sealed bearings and require a press to change them. Inner tie rod bad, can be removed by striking the mount collar hard or a fork splitter. Ball joints require a ball joint press to remove and install them and an alignment should be done when all parts are replaced. These are not the usual back yard mechanic type repairs. Speciality tools are required and I doubt that you have them. The cost you mentioned is high, suggest you get another estimate from an independent shop.
Any help would be great some instruction how to change these parts.
Thanks for any help.
04 escalade esv with 200,000km. standard wheels
Help with Bearings Ball joints and tie rod for escalade?
I'll second Richards response! This is not a job you want to tackle. There are specialty tools required and an alignment needs to be done after the parts are replaced. The dealer quote seems really high to me as well. Try to find a reputable independent shop and have them inspect the vehicle and give you an estimate. Don't tell them what the dealer told you or found. See if they find and recommend the same items be replaced. You should also have them show you the parts and explain why they are bad. You do need to be prepared to pay them for their time in inspecting your vehicle and writing an estimate if you do not have them do the repairs.
Help with Bearings Ball joints and tie rod for escalade?
no very easy.
Easy for some, difficult for others. Buy yourself a shop manual or a Haines Manual. It will help you step by step. Hope you also have the necessary tools.
Not to be an *** here, but if you had to ask that question, you probably shouldn't. Unless you have a friend who is a whiz at mechanical things.
You said front bearings are very loose, these are sealed bearings and require a press to change them. Inner tie rod bad, can be removed by striking the mount collar hard or a fork splitter. Ball joints require a ball joint press to remove and install them and an alignment should be done when all parts are replaced. These are not the usual back yard mechanic type repairs. Speciality tools are required and I doubt that you have them. The cost you mentioned is high, suggest you get another estimate from an independent shop.
Replacing ball joints on car?
I have a 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, and have been told by Midas that my front suspension is really loose at the lower ball joints. They showed it to me, and I could see that it was really loose and I probably won't pass safety and emission testing to register my car unless I get this fixed. I'm pretty sure I can do this for about $400 less than what they'd do it for, but I'm wondering if this is something extremely difficult to do? I can change my oil and replace the brake pads, but would something like this be way over my head? Has anyone else done this successfully without any trouble? It didn't look like it would be hard to change, but I don't want to start on it and then break more things....
Replacing ball joints on car?
Well, i'd say that a home mechanic could do that job, but--you'll need some big tools, a pair of safety stands, (and not the el-cheapo sold by Pep boys, or K-mart!) an air wrench, possibly a large hammer and chisel, a hydraulic jack, wheel chocks or blocks, and a whole pile of patience. You will also need the %26quot;Salad fork%26quot; tool, to remove the tapered end of the old joint from the lower control arm!
Also, it would be advisable to have another form of transportation, to go to get any parts you forgot to buy! Or, to exchange the wrong parts for the right ones, which you will discover after you get the car in an undrivable condition. This always happens--do not ask me how i know!baby name spelling favorite shampoo hair conditioner
Replacing ball joints on car?
Well, i'd say that a home mechanic could do that job, but--you'll need some big tools, a pair of safety stands, (and not the el-cheapo sold by Pep boys, or K-mart!) an air wrench, possibly a large hammer and chisel, a hydraulic jack, wheel chocks or blocks, and a whole pile of patience. You will also need the %26quot;Salad fork%26quot; tool, to remove the tapered end of the old joint from the lower control arm!
Also, it would be advisable to have another form of transportation, to go to get any parts you forgot to buy! Or, to exchange the wrong parts for the right ones, which you will discover after you get the car in an undrivable condition. This always happens--do not ask me how i know!
1998 Ford Van Ball Joint Torque Specs?
Changing upper and lower ball joints on a 98 Ford 150 van 6 cylinder
What's the torque spec on the upper and lower ball joints ?
Or is there a site I can go to to download the info ?
Thanks in advance
1998 Ford Van Ball Joint Torque Specs?
Lower ball joints between 110 to 150 foot pounds.
Upper ball joints between 64 to 88 foot pounds
What's the torque spec on the upper and lower ball joints ?
Or is there a site I can go to to download the info ?
Thanks in advance
1998 Ford Van Ball Joint Torque Specs?
Lower ball joints between 110 to 150 foot pounds.
Upper ball joints between 64 to 88 foot pounds
Replacing ball joints, how do you remove torsion bars?
Can some one give me the procedure for replacing the lower ball joints on a 99 gmc yukon 4wd. It has torsion bars, how do I loosen them and how much? Could I just keep a jack under the control arm instead? 聽The ball joints are the press in type and I have rented a ball joint press from the auto store. Please dont give me the %26quot;save my time and my knuckles and pay someone to do it%26quot; speech, I have all the time in the world, it's a second vehicle, and I'm willing to cut my knuckles to save $400.00. I have changed the breaks and rotors, shocks and the front drive shafts on this truck previously so I am capable of doing the job, I just need the procedure.
Replacing ball joints, how do you remove torsion bars?
Just keep a floor jack under the lower control arm, seperate the lower ball joint from the spindle, and use a ball joint press.
Replacing ball joints, how do you remove torsion bars?
On flat ground measure your ground to frame distance first (write it down)
Then set the truck up securly on jack standS on it's Frame.
unscrew the tension bolts in the torsion bars untill the tension is relived compleatly.
remove the tension rods and your control arms.
I use 2 HD sockets and a mini sledge hammer to %26quot;press%26quot; my bushings in and out.
1 socket to catch or cup/lift the bushing , and 1 to drive it in or out with a mini sledge .
lightly Greease the contact surfaces B4 installing , it helps much more.
Once you get it back together , try to set your torsion bolts as close as you took them off at.
your final tension bolt adjustment (the measurement) will come when the truck is back setting on all 4 wheels.
If you don't have a book...............Spend $20 and get one first.
You will find a repair book is worth much more then $20
This is one %26quot;Tonka%26quot; of a repair proceedure though.
Not hard but big parts.
Safety is essential
Mark the end of the torsion bar and the frame so when you loosen the torsion bar you can tighten them back to the same spot. Just use a paint stick or marker
Not necessary to remove torsion bars. Just keep a jack under the control arm, then disconnect and press out the ball joint. And if you don't have a ball joint press, a big hammer and a couple of appropriately sized impact sockets will do the job just fine.
Replacing ball joints, how do you remove torsion bars?
Just keep a floor jack under the lower control arm, seperate the lower ball joint from the spindle, and use a ball joint press.
Replacing ball joints, how do you remove torsion bars?
On flat ground measure your ground to frame distance first (write it down)
Then set the truck up securly on jack standS on it's Frame.
unscrew the tension bolts in the torsion bars untill the tension is relived compleatly.
remove the tension rods and your control arms.
I use 2 HD sockets and a mini sledge hammer to %26quot;press%26quot; my bushings in and out.
1 socket to catch or cup/lift the bushing , and 1 to drive it in or out with a mini sledge .
lightly Greease the contact surfaces B4 installing , it helps much more.
Once you get it back together , try to set your torsion bolts as close as you took them off at.
your final tension bolt adjustment (the measurement) will come when the truck is back setting on all 4 wheels.
If you don't have a book...............Spend $20 and get one first.
You will find a repair book is worth much more then $20
This is one %26quot;Tonka%26quot; of a repair proceedure though.
Not hard but big parts.
Safety is essential
Mark the end of the torsion bar and the frame so when you loosen the torsion bar you can tighten them back to the same spot. Just use a paint stick or marker
Not necessary to remove torsion bars. Just keep a jack under the control arm, then disconnect and press out the ball joint. And if you don't have a ball joint press, a big hammer and a couple of appropriately sized impact sockets will do the job just fine.
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