QuestionI first want to thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I appreciate it.
I have a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT with 38,000 miles. I recently got my tires fixed and they said that I have a loose upper ball joint.
I called the ford dearlship and made an appointment and they gave me a ball park figure that it will cost $450 to fix it. I looked up the cost of ball joints and the average price is $25 bucks. Are they trying to take me?
My question is does $450 dollars sound reasonable and 38000 miles a little early to change the ball joint?
Thank you for your time. I just don't want to get ripped off.
AnswerI believe that the upper ball joints on Explorers are not serviceable separately; they need to be replaced as an Upper Control Arm assembly.
I think the cost would be near $450.
Labor = $195 (2.5 hrs x $78 per hr)
Parts = $125
Alignment = $90
Plus Tax and Shop Charges.
We occasionally change worn Ball Joint under the Factory 3yr x 36,000 mile warranty. The ball joints don't have grease fittings on them anymore, and are no longer regularly serviced with a Lube, Oil, and Filter service.
I hope this helps,
Dave
