ball joint?

cY2k · Post by **cY2k** » 01 Mar 2010, 11:07

If my mechanic said that I need "both ball joints", what exactly might he be referring to? I know that when I look at the possible steering/suspension parts on FCP or eEuroParts, there isn't anything that's explicitly called a "ball joint".

But I know, in theory, what a ball joint is, and it seems like it's either part of the Control Arms, or the Tie Rod ends... The mechanic did say that it had to do with the steering, which means I'm leaning towards the Tie Rods.

Can anyone help me decipher the code??? thanks

Also, is there any easy way to check how bad they are, visually or otherwise? thanks!

UPDATE - sorry, the car's a 1999 V70 base model, ~110k miles

Post by **jblackburn** » 01 Mar 2010, 11:24

I'm thinking he's talking about the control arm ball joints. The whole control arm on a 94+ model is one piece, including both ball joints. But there are ball joints on the tie rod ends too.

Look at the control arm ball joints and check the rubber boots for cracking or leaking fluid. You will be able to tell if you need new tie rod ends with a good tug on each of them - a loose tie rod will make lots of clunking noises over bumps.

cY2k · Post by **cY2k** » 09 Mar 2010, 18:07

thanks! I'll jack up the front end this weekend and have a look.

If it is the control arms, how critical is that to fix? Any ideas as to how long those typically last? Like I said, the car's a 99 with 110k miles...

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 09 Mar 2010, 20:15

Mine have all been shot by 130 k miles and on the '94 they had been replaced by the PO earlier than that - After the glove box latch broke the PO's service records got scant but the aftermarket replacement on the passenger's side was really bad. If you replace them use only OEM parts.

...Lee

larryh · Post by **larryh** » 09 Mar 2010, 20:21

worn ball joints are not something you want to delay the repair of.
how long they last depends entirely on the roads you drive, but if they have 110k on them they're most likely done. I would suspect more front end parts are worn as well.