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| | | A pivotal part of a vehicle's suspension system is the ball joint, which has a round ball-like head that swivels inside a cup-like socket. Usually there are four ball joints in a car's front suspension, with an upper and lower one on each front wheel. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Having a mechanic replace four ball joints (two per wheel on front suspension systems) runs around $500 -$1,100, depending on the make, model and year of the vehicle. Cars with easy access will take less time and therefore be at the lower end of the scale. High-end luxury cars will be at the high end of the price range, and may cost even more.
- Basic parts for a do-it-yourself project start around $30 -$80 per ball joint, or $125 -$320 for four, but can go higher for luxury or rare vehicles. Some ball joints are connected to the control arm in one assembly, which must be replaced as a complete unit; part kits for this start average about $500 -$650.
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| What should be included: | - Although ball joints are generally extremely durable, they can wear out eventually and the ball won't fit in the socket as well as it did originally. The California Bureau of Auto Repair gives an overview, with illustrations.
- Popular Mechanics says it's moderately difficult to replace a ball joint, and if the particular vehicle requires the use of a spring compressor it's better to have the job done by a professional mechanic. MobilOil.com rates the project as difficult and estimates it takes an average of three hours.
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| Additional costs: | - Some vehicles may require a wheel alignment after replacing the ball joints; this can add $60 -$100 to the total cost. Check the specifications for your car to see if an alignment is needed (it isn't always necessary).
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| Shopping for ball joint replacement: | - AutoEducation.com lists tips for choosing a repair shop. Labor usually costs the most. Find out whether the shop charges a flat rate based on the manufacturer's estimated repair times (the customer pays more if it takesc longer to do the job) or the actual time it takes to do the job. Many firms charge a separate diagnostic fee and most repair shops use a higher grade of replacement parts than the cheapest ones available from discount retailers; AA1Car.com gives an overview.
- Ball joints are available through JC Whitney or PartsAmerica.com.
- Professional ball joint replacement is offered by Midas car care centers; by auto dealers; or get referred to a certified local repair shop through the National Association for Automotive Service Excellence.
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Article updated October 2007 |
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