Originally Posted by benhogan

Last night I changed the balljoints on my Volvo 240. I purchased the parts from ******** at a closeout price ($15 each plus shipping). Normally, they are close to $40 each for the Raybestos brand.

I thought I had a deal because they parts looked OK. After a closer look, the rubber boot had a small tear. So I said OK, I'll just seal up up with rubber cement. I then mount it on the car. The ball joint actually bolts on the control arm via 3 bolts. I used my torque wrench to tighten the nuts. The dang nuts got stripped. They could not handle the required torque! I ended up reusing the old bolts. I have a feeling I'll be replacing them in a few months.

I'll learn my lesson about Made in China parts some day.

Lesson: Cheap parts are really Expensive Parts in disguise.