Ball Joint issues

[satya_svt98]

Hi,

history: I have been hearing a clunk when I turn my wheel all the way to the right and hit reverse. Not so much going forward on turns or even left.

Current: Jacked up the car and felt the ball joints with my fingers, Definite Rip in both and grease oozing out of each.

Question: How much should this cost to get replaced? Labor only. I will buy the parts online.
also.. how long can I go like this? the noise is annoying but my alignment is fine and I have no driving issues. Thanks

also by the pic can you tell me how badly the LCA is effed up. It moves in and out a little when I wiggle my wheel.

 

[jimbbski]

If the ball joints are bad and your LCA rubber bushings are as well just buy two new LCA's and replace both lower control arms as a unit and you will same time and money.
For many years the early 4 bolt LCAs were expensive to replace but their cost has come down to where they cost only a little more then the later 2 bolt LCAs

 

[gmorrell]

Pic of the inboard bushing looks like the rubber is torn away from the center shaft. Would suggest you get some new lower control arms. The labor differential to completely replace the LCA's versus replacing the ball joints only will be less, as the ball joint replacement operation involves removing the LCA and drilling out the rivets that secure the ball joint to the LCA.

It's probably not going to fall apart, tho old, worn ball joints have been known to separate, which is a loss-of-control situation on the road, but eventually the alignment drift will start tearing up your tires.

 

[AGrayson84]

I agree with everyone above. Replace the entire control arm. Here are some control arms that come with riveted ball joints:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/150716217398?lpid=82

 

[satya_svt98]

Thanks guys. I know Moog is the way to go for suspension parts. However at $190.00 each. its a bit pricey. Is there a middle range of product I can get that is still good..but affordable? Also saw some 50$ ones but those scare me.. thanks

 

[gmorrell]

Rockauto has the Raybestos Pro Grade 4-bolt arms for $65 each, RAYBESTOS 5071293 and RAYBESTOS 5071292. I've found Raybestos chassis parts to be very reliable.

Throw in one of the latest discount codes at checkout, 1774214915124586 or 1770214115078110 for a few % off, think these both expire Dec 08, 2013.

Be happy you have 4-bolt LCA's, the 2-bolt parts on the later cars are bean-counter designed POS's.

 

[contour_r_us]

Rockauto has the Raybestos Pro Grade 4-bolt arms for $65 each, RAYBESTOS 5071293 and RAYBESTOS 5071292. I've found Raybestos chassis parts to be very reliable.

Throw in one of the latest discount codes at checkout, 1774214915124586 or 1770214115078110 for a few % off, think these both expire Dec 08, 2013.

Be happy you have 4-bolt LCA's, the 2-bolt parts on the later cars are bean-counter designed POS's.

CarQuest also sells Raybestos. I too have good things to say about their 2 bolt LCA's. Unfortunately not so with the Raybestos end-links. These had SAE nuts on one andthe other had Metric. The grease fittings were a nice touch, but the teflon liner in the ball socket was obstructing the ability of grease to find it's way in to the ball joint.