Front Lower Ball Joint Replacement

[David Sandrof]

Thanks "jsmart" for the great photos. I just purchased 2 new control arms because I didn't know that the ball joint itself could be pressed out. Now I will return the control arms and look at replacing the ball joint itself, saving myself about $140 even after I purchase the new ball joint and joint removal tool.

[biggun]

I ended up paying the local trusted garage $273 to install, which included new front brake pads and rotors. He didn't charge me for the labor on the brakes, since they had to be removed to replace the ball joints anyway.

Overall saving....insanity!

[YeeMurano]

I just changed the ball joint. Followed the instructions on this forum and everything went very well. Took about 2 hours to do one side. The nut broke off, maybe a good thing since there was some wear and tear on the bolt. So I strongly suggest replacing both the bolt and nut.

[Bmelvin2003]

I just had my right front ball joint replaced (the entire arm) at the shop ($180 part) just curious how much it ended up costing you when you get to it done... I am at 86,000 miles on my milage, but our city streets here are terrible is why I am guessing mine went bad. I couldn't stand the clunking noise anymore!!

[nafddur]

Originally Posted by Bmelvin2003

I just had my right front ball joint replaced. I am at 86,000 miles on my milage, but our city streets here are terrible is why I am guessing mine went bad.

Bad roads (TY republicans) could certainly affect your suspension. Though NE roads aren't known for being real modern, my 04 SE (bought new 10/04 and now with 94K) still has a super tight suspension system and hasn't needed a single realignment. But then, neither had my 95 Maxima that went to 192K on the entire original suspension. At that time, when I finally broke down and had the struts replaced, the Max was 14 years old and was riding a tad rough. That was also the only realignment I ever had done on that car. I'm not sure it was even needed then, based on how the car drove after getting the struts done.