martin lynch wrote:
> 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?

somewhat. i'd get a second opinion.

here in kalifornistan, a lot of inspection stations are "test only" and
/not allowed/ to do repairs. thus they have no incentive to find things
wrong.

if you have something like that in your state, that's where i'd go.
especially now that money is tight, i expect more "problems" to be found
on otherwise healthy cars.