How much does it cost to replace ball joints on a Ford Explorer? The average cost for a Ford Explorer suspension ball joint replacement is between $369 and $488. Labor costs are estimated between $221 and $279 while parts are priced between $148 and $209.
Full Answer
Where can I get a ball joint replacement for my Ford?
Ford Explorer Ball Joint Replacement (Front) at your home or office. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.
What's the labor cost to replace ball joints on a jeep?
For a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee four wheel drive, which uses a solid front axle, the labor time to replace the upper and lower ball joints on one front corner is 1.9 hours. A factory pair costs about $150, and a pair of Delphi ball joints costs about $63. This makes the job about $440 using OE parts, or about $353 using aftermarket parts.
How long does it take to replace ball joints in a car?
During the repair, the wheels will be removed, followed by the control arms. Once the control arms are removed, the mechanic will be able to reach the ball joints, which he or she will remove and replace. The average job will take one to two hours. What are the extra costs?
How do I know if my ball joints need replacing?
Symptoms that a ball joint might need replacing include a clicking or thumping noise when going over a bump or hitting a pothole, or a shake, shimmy or vibration in the steering. A mechanic can measure the looseness of the old ball joint to determine whether it should be replaced.
How much does it cost to replace all 4 ball joints?
In general, ball joints are inexpensive with a range between $20 to $80 each. Labor will vary greatly by model. Some vehicles cost as low as $60 to $80. Yet others, especially four-wheel drive trucks, can range from $160 to $200 per ball joint.
What is the labor cost to replace ball joints?
Average Ball Joint Replacement Cost You can expect to pay around $300 in most cases, including both parts and labor. Most ball joints cost about $100 to $150, while the labor costs will run you $150 to $200. An independent repair shop will almost always be cheaper than the dealership as well.
How much are ball joints for a Ford Explorer?
Ford Explorer Suspension Ball Joint Replacement Cost Estimate. The average cost for a Ford Explorer suspension ball joint replacement is between $151 and $190. Labor costs are estimated between $151 and $190.
Can you still drive a car with a broken ball joint?
Can I Drive With a Bad Ball Joint? No. You should not drive with a bad ball joint. Continuing to drive can cause damage to other vehicle components and if the joint fails completely you could lose control of the vehicle, leading to a crash and injuries.
How long does it take to do a ball joint?
Most ball joint jobs are going to run 3-5 hours of work per side, leading to a cost of $350-650.00 in labor costs alone, plus parts. Should you choose to do the job yourself, remember that AutoZone not only has all the parts, but all the proper tools to complete the job.
How do you know if your ball joints are going out?
4 Signs Your Vehicle Needs The Ball Joints ReplacedClunking, Rattling Noise.Loose, Wandering Steering Feel. ... Harsh Cabin Vibrations. ... Uneven Wear On Front Tires. A loose ball joint in the front suspension will introduce some "play" that allows one of the front wheels to come out of alignment with the other. ...
Can you replace just one ball joint?
After replacing the ball joints on one or both sides you will need to get an alignment done. If you only replace one side, get the alignment done, and need to replace the other side in a month, another alignment will need to be done.
How much is a ball joint for a 2004 Ford Explorer?
We currently carry 17 Lower Control Arm & Ball Joint products to choose from for your 2004 Ford Explorer, and our inventory prices range from as little as $66.99 up to $254.99.
Are there upper and lower ball joints?
The ball joint is a pivot between the wheels and the suspension of your vehicle. In the front suspension, on most vehicles, there are upper and lower ball joints on both sides. The low ball joints are usually bigger and wear out faster due to the front weight of the vehicle that rests on them."
What causes ball joint failure?
Ball joints deteriorate if dirt, grit and impurities get inside or grease escapes, leading to a lack of lubrication. Added to this, rusting and general wear and tear also damage these suspension parts. The effects of this deterioration are excessive play and looseness (beyond the manufacturer's specifications).
Are ball joints hard to replace?
From that standpoint, yes, it is hard to replace ball joints - more than basic DIYr skills and tools are required. There is also the safety dimension for being in close proximity to a suspended vehicle, and a compressed spring that has enough force to cause serious harm if it comes loose.
Can you replace just the ball joint without replacing control arm?
In order to know if just the ball joint or the whole complete lower control arm needs replaced, the lower ball joint will need to be disconnected from the steering knuckle and checked to see if it fits tight in the lower control arm. If it is loose, then replace control arm.
What is a ball joint?
Ball joints are part of the suspension system, and consist of a ball and socket that's encased in a lubricant-filled rubber boot. They link the steering knuckle (which supports the wheel hub, bearing and wheel) to the lower and upper control arms. They also allow the suspension to move freely up and down and aid in steering the vehicle
What are the symptoms related to a bad ball joint?
A "clunk" or "knock" when turning or going over bumps can indicate a problem with a ball joint. The sensation is often felt in the floorboard.
Can I drive with a ball joint problem?
A vehicle with a significantly worn ball joint should not be driven. If the ball joint fails completely, the control arm can detach from the steering knuckle, meaning you will lose control of the car.
How often do ball joints need to be replaced?
There is no set replacement schedule for ball joints, though most vehicles will need to have them changed at some point. Most ball joints will last for 100,000 miles or more. Rough driving habits may shorten the life of these parts.
What is a ball joint?
Ball joints are a part of your vehicle's suspension system that connect the steering knuckles to the control arms. A ball joint is essentially a flexible ball and socket that allows the suspension to move and, at the same time, the wheels to steer. Cars and trucks will have multiple ball joint assemblies depending on their type of suspension system.
How important is ball joint service?
How important is this service? The ball joint connects the control arm to the steering knuckle. As the wheels – and therefore the steering knuckles – move, the ball joints help the suspension – and therefore the control arm – stay steady. And as the suspension moves, the ball joints help the wheels steer.
Where are ball joints found?
Keep in mind: Depending on the suspension design, ball joints can be found either in the front or the rear. The vehicle may need to be taken to a shop for wheel alignment after this service. Mobile mechanics do not have the machinery to align wheels.
Do ball joints wear out?
Like any other suspension component, ball joints will eventually wear out and become loose. Excessive play in the joint can affect wheel alignment and tire wear.
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How do Ball Joints work?
Ball joints are a crucial part of your car’s steering and suspension. They act similarly to the joints in your knees or shoulders, and allow the car’s front wheels to pivot. Furthermore, they allow the suspension to move up and down as you drive over inconsistencies in the road. Some cars have one ball joint in each front wheel.
Signs of failing Ball Joints
As ball joints wear out, they’ll begin to have excess friction when in use. That will usually result in a creaking sound, like the mechanical version of a noisy bed spring. You’re most likely to hear this noise when turning your wheels, or driving over bumps or potholes, as that’s when the ball joints are in use.
How urgent are Ball Joint replacements?
As ball joints wear out, they cease to do their job as well. Eventually, the wear reaches a critical point, and the ball joints fail completely. Since they’re responsible for controlling the car’s wheels, this means a loss of control.
How Much Does Ball Joint Replacement Cost?
The price of replacing the ball joints of your car is influenced by many factors like the make and model of the vehicle and which ball joint has to be replaced. These can be placed either in front or on the back of the car, depending on its model. Also, there are two joints for every wheel.
Ball joint details
The ball joints are a crucial component of your car’s suspension system. They connect the steering knuckles to control arms, allowing for easy movement while also guiding wheels in different directions with just one motion.
What are the extra costs?
When you have your car serviced, the mechanic might find other things wrong with it. For example, if they’re replacing ball joints and there’s excessive looseness in the steering wheel or alignment issues after installation of new parts it could cost an additional $80 to $220 to have everything fixed, depending on the shop.
Important things to consider
A bad ball joint may be hard to detect. However, signs that you need a new one include hearing noise when turning, and even when hitting a bump. In addition, the steering wheel shakes or tires are worn out more than usual.
How can I save money?
It’s important to get a second opinion when you’re unsure of the condition of your car. If your car is under warranty, then talk directly with the manufacturer to see what is covered. But in most cases cars don’t have a warranty, so call up at least three mechanics nearby and ask for price offers.
How much does it cost to replace a ball joint?
On average, it costs about $300 to replace a ball joint on a passenger vehicle. It costs about $500 on average to replace a pair of upper and lower ball joints (one side) on a four wheel drive vehicle.
How much does it cost to replace ball joints on a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
A factory pair costs about $150, and a pair of Delphi ball joints costs about $63. This makes the job about $440 using OE parts, or about $353 using aftermarket parts.
How long does it take to replace a 1997 K1500 front ball joint?
For a 1997 Chevrolet K1500 four wheel drive with torsion bar suspension, the labor time to replace the front ball joints on one corner is 4 hours. This has an independent suspension, but has the disadvantage of the original ball joints being held in by heavy rivets, which must be cut and driven out.
What does it mean when a ball joint is worn?
The ball joints are an important part of the vehicle’s steering and suspension, and if a ball joint is worn past allowed limits, that means it is unsafe. Ball joint failure can mean the suspension coming apart and loss of vehicle control.
How much does it cost to replace a 2003 Honda Civic ball joint?
For A 2003 Honda Civic, the labor time to replace the front lower ball joint is 2 hours. It’s pressed into the knuckle, which is usually removed for the service. A factory part costs about $65, or a Mevotech part costs about $35. This makes the job about $365 using factory parts, or about $335 using aftermarket parts.
What is the pin on a stud?
On the stud side, there’s a tapered pin with a threaded end, so it locks into a machined tapered hole in the knuckle or in a control arm (depending on how it’s oriented) and is then locked down with a nut. The ball end sits in a carrier that is either pressed into or bolted onto a control arm or knuckle.
Can ball joints leak?
Frequently these will leak, but that isn’t necessarily a problem.
How much does it cost to replace a ball joint?
Typical costs: Hiring a mechanic to replace four ball joints (two per wheel on front suspension systems) can cost $350-$2,200 or more, depending on the make, model and year of the vehicle; how difficult it is to access ...
How many ball joints are there in a car?
A pivotal part of a vehicle's suspension system, a ball joint 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 wheel. Depending on the wear pattern on the suspension system, it can be necessary to replace one, ...
How long does it take for a ball joint to wear out?
Depending on the vehicle, driving habits, driving conditions and wear patterns, a ball joint can wear out at 30,000 miles, 100,000 miles, 150,000 miles or more . Symptoms that a ball joint might need replacing include a clicking or thumping noise when going over a bump or hitting a pothole, or a shake, shimmy or vibration in the steering.
What is a control arm?
The control arm connects the steering knuckle to the frame or body of a vehicle. The wheel is held on to a hub connected to the steering knuckle. The knuckle allows the wheel to steer left and right and is attached to the control arm (s).
How does the control arm work?
The control arm is connected on one end to the steering knuckle (to which the wheel is attached by way of the hub and bearing assembly) by a ball and socket called a ball joint. It is attached at the other end to the vehicle frame or body.
What are the symptoms related to a bad control arm?
The actual control arm may last the lifetime of the vehicle. The control arm bushings, on the other hand, often wear out as a vehicle approaches 100k miles. A control arm is prone to damage if the vehicle is in a crash or encounters a large pothole. If the bushings are worn out, the suspension will make a squeaking sound when going over bumps.
Can I drive with a control arm problem?
If the control arm on a vehicle is damaged in a crash or impact with a pothole or parking block, the suspension will be out of alignment and cause uneven tire wear and poor vehicle handling. The control arm should be replaced as soon as possible.
How often do control arms need to be replaced?
While there is no prescribed frequency for replacement of a control arm, the bushings may wear out and need to be replaced as a vehicle approaches 100k miles. Driving aggressively or over rough roads can decrease the lifespan of the control arm bushings.
How are control arm issues diagnosed?
A technician may diagnose a worn lower control arm during a test drive of the vehicle. The condition may also present itself during a bounce test, where the technician will press down firmly on one corner of the vehicle to bounce the suspension and pivot the control arms.
How is a control arm replaced?
A technician will replace a lower control arm by first lifting and supporting the vehicle in the air on a hoist and removing the wheel and tire. A lower control arm must be disconnected from the lower ball joint (attached to the steering knuckle) and from the vehicle frame or body.