How would I check if the ball joints are still tight or not? I do get a knock when I make turns.

If they are is this a DIY or would I take it to an Indy for simple boot replacement?
I see ball joints on Fastlane are only $27. each. What is the large price difference with replacing the whole b joint vs just the boot??
....they don't list boots only to sell....

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'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

if the boots are ripped assume they are bad as you do not know how long they have been ripped. you can jack the front end up and wiggle the spindle side to side to see if there is play. not to be mistaken with wheel bearing play(also bad) it will also require a press.


Lower Ball Joint Replacement Question

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have no worries.....President Obama swears "If you like your gun, you can keep it

Assume the ball joints are bad or the boots? I get a knock when I turn the wheel L or R. And looking under front end the BJ's look to be the only worn parts.
I read that thread and replacing sounds like a job above my pay scale....er I don't wanna mess it up any further. I'm reading from $30 per b joint to replace up to $300. for a pair. Any idea what should be a fair price for an indy or a good allighnment shop to replace 2 ball joints?

THANKS!
Austin

__________________
'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

assume the ball joints are bad. its really not a hard job.

__________________
have no worries.....President Obama swears "If you like your gun, you can keep it

Kidding right?
I just looked up the DIY tab on this site and it looks like a serious job to DIY. WIth lots of warnings....

Any ideas for $$$$$ on outsourcing this to a qualified INDY or Allignment shop??

__________________
'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

too much money to have an indy do.

__________________
have no worries.....President Obama swears "If you like your gun, you can keep it

personaly on my cars if the boot is ripped from age, the ball joint is due for replacment. it also get rid of the squeak when you bounce the front end of the car up and down

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have no worries.....President Obama swears "If you like your gun, you can keep it

Thanks. I've been ebay surfimg looking at pick up trucks for my son who gets his liscense in a few months....

I will order 2 ball joints from Phil and have them installed by either my allignment shop or an Indy I know nearby.

__________________
'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

ok the guide says 2.7 hours per side for the lower ball joints. and $240 labor only(not including parts). while you havbe the spindle off, make sure the upper ball joint isnt "loose" (worn out)

__________________
have no worries.....President Obama swears "If you like your gun, you can keep it

So, that's $480., labor only, for two ball lower ball joints??

I'm in the wrong business. I'm going into the lower ball joint business............4 ball joints per day..........from my garage!!!

I just did the LBJs on my SDL. $280 each +parts is a bargain.

To remove the LBJs from the steering knuckle you clamp the knuckle in a vise, and place a mandrel (a 1" socket) against the bottom of the joint and WAIL on it with a 2# sledge until the joint pops out the other side.

A defininte ZERO on the fun meter.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

i actully enjoyed doing them. not too bad of a job

__________________
have no worries.....President Obama swears "If you like your gun, you can keep it

OK, after you have done two of them, how long will it take you to do the third one?

Assume that you have the press to R & R them while the LCA is still in the vehicle (doable with the right tool AFAIK).