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Ball Joint Replacement Cost

How Much Does Ball Joint Replacement Cost?

low cost Do-It-Yourself Parts: $125-$320
low costMedium: $500-$1,100

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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.
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.
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).
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.
Article updated October 2007
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Recent Posts
Amount: $741.00 Ball Joint Replacement (4x4)
Posted by: JMN322 in Raleigh, NC.Purchased: March, 2009
Make: ChevyModel: 96 4x4 Tahoe
Shop: Meineke
Replaced uppers with "greaseable" balljoints. Lowers are sealed. Replaced two on each side of the front end.
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Amount: $497.75 Ball joint replacement
Posted by: Tony Wikrent in Mebane, NC.Purchased: August, 2009
Make: FordModel: E250 van
Shop: Mebane Tire
152,000 miles on 2003 van, steering wheel a bit sloppy, much better after tires rotated, but still needed all four ball joints, plus alignment. Afterward, the steering is nice and tight now.
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Amount: $403.86 Ball Joint Replacement (4x4)
Posted by: jaysevsoxfan in Derry, NH.Purchased: September, 2009
Make: GMCModel: 98 Jimmy 4x4
Shop: MLJC Auto Repair
Replaced upper and lower ball joints ondrivers side ONLY. Should have jus done it myself would have cost about $60.00 in parts........
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Amount: $761.00 ball joint replacement
Posted by: g weber in fountain hills, AZ.Purchased: September, 2009
Make: chevy 4x4Model: silverado ext-cab
Shop: big o tires
truck has 179,000 miles. slight movement in the ball joints, but very obvious.
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Amount: $957.00 Ball joint replacement
Posted by: RL in Austin, TX.Purchased: October, 2009
Make: 1999 MazdaModel: B2500
Shop: Leonard's Garage
Called a couple places, apparently the 99 Mazda requires 5 hours of work & the parts aren't cheap.

The $957 does not include the necessary alignment too!
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Amount: $398.90 Ball joint replaceemnt
Posted by: Laura S in hanover park, IL.Purchased: 2001
Make: mercuryModel: sable
Shop: Car-x
130,000 miles, replaced front left lower ball joint & front right lower ball joint
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Amount: $1,007.00 Ball joint replacement
Posted by: Anthony F Sadowski in Philadelphia, PA.Purchased: November, 2009
Make: FordModel: Bronco 4x4 5.8
Shop: Jack Sees
This job was labor intensive. The front end has to be completely taken apart. They also replaced the brake rotors and pads for that price.
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Amount: $260.00 Ball Joint Replacement Crown Vic
Posted by: Mark L in Medina, OH.Purchased: January, 2010
Make: FordModel: 2004 Crown Vic
Shop: Chris Schnieder Auto Repair
176,000 miles, replaced upper ball joints only on both sides. Lowers had been done with brake job 30M ago
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Amount: $802.88 Ball Joint Replacement 2500HD Duramax
Posted by: a user in Bryan, TX.Purchased: January, 2010
Make: 2002 ChevroletModel: 2500 HD Duramax
Shop: Advanced Auto Repair
253,483 Miles, Replaced lower ball joints on both sides. Inspection showed that upper ball joints were still good, Pitman & Idler Arms Needed Replacement. Lester always does a fantastic job and warranties everything he does for a year. Quick Turnaround and Fair Price.
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Amount: $538.00 Front Ball Bearing Replacement
Posted by: DT in Greensboro, NC.Purchased: 2004
Make: KiaModel: Sorento
Shop: Battleground Kia
2003, 4 wheel Drive vehicle. This price was only for the front wheels.
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Amount: $374.00 Front Ball Joint Replacement and Alignment
Posted by: Al B in Virginia Beach, VA.Purchased: February, 2010
Make: CadillacModel: Sedan DeVille
Shop: Firestone
Front right lower ball joint required alignment afterward
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Amount: $503.42 Ball Joint Replacement
Posted by: Tania in Columbus, OH.Purchased: February, 2010
Make: 1999Model: Expedition
Shop: Sears
The total includes the allignment.
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Amount: $809.00 Ball joint replacement
Posted by: Kristi in Denton, TX.Purchased: February, 2010
Make: FordModel: Ranger XL
Shop: Koiner Brother's
All 4 ball joints replaced and alignment.
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Amount: $450.00 ball joint replacement
Posted by: jjhilton in bedford, TX.Purchased: February, 2010
Make: fordModel: ranger
Shop: pep boys
replacement of both lower and whell aligment money well spent after seeing pics of what could of happened if I kept driving
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Amount: $250.00 ball joint
Posted by: a user in chicago, IL.Purchased: March, 2010
Make: FordModel: Explorer 95
Parts an Auto Zone $50 , found mechanic online who took $200 for labor
Midas wanted to charge me $1600 !!!!
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