What an awesome place to ask questions...I have an 02 sport-trac 2wd...50k miles on it. Last year when I was getting inspected, they said in a year I would need to get new ball joints. How do I know I would need them, and if I do how much should they cost installed so I know I am not getting beat up about it..

ryanpelkey@hotmail.com


Thank you[8D]

 

Well, lets start by how they are inspected. Generally, inspecting these requires jacking up one front side at a time from the frame and putting a LARGE prybar under the wheel as it is inches off the ground and proceeding to load the suspension with the pry bar thus simulating the load encountered by your car during regular use. this usually involes having a second person helping to listen to or even feel the ball joints for signs of popping or play. Now, the shop that said this may have heard a slight noise last year which may or may not have been the ball joints, these tests can often be misleading, especially if they only heard slight noise. 50,000 mi. is a bit early for such a problem, especially on a 2wd. Have it checked again. if it indeed needs them, expect to pay between 450$ and 750$ out the door. But do have someone check again.

 

balljoints have to be measured there is a spec on them even if there is some slack in the balljoint doesnt mean they are done measuing with a dial indicator.and is common for lower balljoints at or arounf=d your mileage and price is what you want back on there ford parts aftermarket and where it is repaired.