Re: Ball joints

Thanks for the responses.
I researched the ball joint question on several Car Forums and typically
the
responses were all over the map from guys who'd had original ball joints
with
over 100k on the vehicles to guys who had them replaced on warranty under
36k.
Consensus is that the front ends of the explorers are not that rugged and
even
under normal driving conditions you can wear down components. Like others
I have
a hard time finding a good independent shop but I will go for a second
opinion
to see what their price is for replacement. Ford quoted me $500 plus an
alignment $75. Judging from what I've read that's not entirely out of line
but I
may be able to do better. Since I may be in the market for a new set of
tires
this year I may just nurse the old ball joints along as long as they are
not
giving me any noticeable trouble until such time that I get the tires.
Thanks
for everyone's input.



 <fosrj808fm@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>, Foon says...
>
>Just got off the phone with a local Ford dealer who was doing a cruise
control
>repair on my '03 XLT Explorer (55K gentle miles) He said the mechanic
observed
>lower ball joint wear on both sides and recommended replacement at a cost
of
>$500+. He said failure to repair would cause uneven tire  wear and
eventually
>might cause axle breakage. He also said I should notice this wear and a
clunking
>noise when I turn. To date the vehicle as performed very well with no
vibration,
>wobble or uneven wear that I can tell.  Should I take this to another
shop or
>assume the mechanic is looking out after my safety and ok the repair?
>Any help is appreciated.
>