Front suspension ball joints - Honda-Acura.net

Hondapower80 · 10-29-09, 01:17 PM

Our '02 Accord was taken to the dealer for an oil change. The SA comes back and states that the front suspension ball joints are worn/loose and wanted $525 to replace, including wheel alignment. The car only has 58k miles on it. I am going to get a second opinion this weekend, but is this normal, or is it likely he is trying to take my wallet for a ride? The car had it's oil changed 2000 miles ago, and he didn't say anything back then. Also, there are no noises, steering does not feel any different and the alignment is fine. Any thoughts?

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Cousin It · 10-29-09, 05:24 PM

To put things in perspective for you I changed the upper control arms on my 91 Accord when the ball joints wore out at 210,000 miles.

Hondapower80 · 10-29-09, 05:43 PM

Thanks for the reply Cousin. Did you notice any symptoms (ex. sounds, pulling, steering not precise, etc) that caused you to change it at that time, or was this something you found needed change during an inspection?

Cousin It · 10-30-09, 09:19 PM

When I would go over bumps in the road I could hear them rattling and I could see that the grease boots were cracked. Never really felt it in the steering wheel as you tend to feel it there when the ball joints on the tie rod ends start to go.

Line7 · 11-01-09, 12:52 AM

Even if you do need to replace them, my tie rods were about $15 each (OE) and took about 5 mins to replace. I still dont understand why people go to the dealership. If you must get OEM, get the parts, take it to a regular shop and watch them do it, you'll actually learn some things and wont spend a lot.

11-01-09, 12:52 AM	#5
Line7 Platinum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NY Posts: 813	Even if you do need to replace them, my tie rods were about $15 each (OE) and took about 5 mins to replace. I still dont understand why people go to the dealership. If you must get OEM, get the parts, take it to a regular shop and watch them do it, you'll actually learn some things and wont spend a lot. __________________ For Sale: ITR/SiR rear LCA's JDM!!!

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10-29-09, 05:24 PM	#2
Cousin It Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 121	To put things in perspective for you I changed the upper control arms on my 91 Accord when the ball joints wore out at 210,000 miles.

10-29-09, 05:43 PM	#3
Hondapower80 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: The Northshore, IL Posts: 60	Thanks for the reply Cousin. Did you notice any symptoms (ex. sounds, pulling, steering not precise, etc) that caused you to change it at that time, or was this something you found needed change during an inspection?

10-30-09, 09:19 PM	#4
Cousin It Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 121	When I would go over bumps in the road I could hear them rattling and I could see that the grease boots were cracked. Never really felt it in the steering wheel as you tend to feel it there when the ball joints on the tie rod ends start to go.