On Apr 5, 7:28*pm, jim beam <retard-fin...@bad.example.net> wrote:
> martin lynch wrote:
> > On Apr 5, 6:27 pm, Tegger <inva...@invalid.inv> wrote:
> >> martin lynch <odiegoo...@yahoo.com> wrote in news:09842c8d-26dc-434c-bf03-
> >> 70809cb29...@w40g2000yqd.googlegroups.com:
>
> >>> I was quoted $600 for replacing both front ball joints on my 2001
> >>> Civic. The price also includes wheel alignment, which I'm told would
> >>> be necessary with the job. I live in Buffalo, NY. Does this seem
> >>> like a fair price? A quick google search leads me to believe that the
> >>> quote is high....
> >> It appears the ball joints on this vehicle are integral with the steering
> >> knuckle, at least with OEM parts. The price you've been quoted is probably
> >> from a Honda dealer, and includes new knuckles.
>
> >> There are aftermarket ball joints that can be pressed into the existing
> >> knuckle (closer to your $300 guess), but I think you would regret that
> >> choice in less than two years. Ever had a ball joint break on you?
>
> >> --
> >> Tegger
>
> >> The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQwww.tegger.com/hondafaq/
>
> > The quote was actually from an independent shop. *I failed to ask
> > exactly what parts would be replaced.
>
> > What would happen if the shop only replaced the ball joint and not the
> > knuckle? *Are you suggesting that pressing a new ball joint into the
> > knuckle would weaken the interface and cause it to fail again
> > prematurely?
>
> 1. what symptoms are you experiencing - why do you think you need to
> have them replaced?
>
> 2. please learn to cross-post.

I took it to the shop for my mandatory NY State safety inspection, and
they told me the lower ball joints were loose, and recommended
replacement. Seems kind of early for a car with 70K miles, huh?