1997 850 Ball Joints

davolvo · Post by **davolvo** » 27 Oct 2015, 06:25

Hello, I went in to get an alignment and was told that I need to replace the ball joint on the drivers side and that on a scale of 1-10 it is a 6. This particular garage had nothing to gain by telling me this. My questions are: should I do both sides at once? do the ball joints for this particular model all include the arm? I cannot seem to find a "ball joint" per say, I pull up ball joints that come with the entire assembly.
Thanks for your help in this matter.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 27 Oct 2015, 06:47

The ball joints are an integral part of the control arm so the entire control arm needs to be replaced. It isn't a huge deal but you do want to get a quality replacement or you will be doing it all over again in 6 months. Lemforder are the best (OEM manufacturer) and I've had good luck with the Meyle HD versions which are a bit cheaper. Avoid anything ScanTech and even avoid the Febi brand.

My guess is that they will hit you for $150.00 to $200.00 in labor to change it if you have the shop do it.

...Lee

davolvo · Post by **davolvo** » 28 Oct 2015, 07:38

Ozark Lee wrote:The ball joints are an integral part of the control arm so the entire control arm needs to be replaced. It isn't a huge deal but you do want to get a quality replacement or you will be doing it all over again in 6 months. Lemforder are the best (OEM manufacturer) and I've had good luck with the Meyle HD versions which are a bit cheaper. Avoid anything ScanTech and even avoid the Febi brand.

My guess is that they will hit you for $150.00 to $200.00 in labor to change it if you have the shop do it.

...Lee

So should I do both sides?

Post by **abscate** » 28 Oct 2015, 08:13

If you have over 50k miles on them, yes, do both. They last about 100k in winter environments

Post by **xHeart** » 28 Oct 2015, 08:56

I replaced both with TRW on our 1997.
40,000+ miles later, these are holding well.

I have replaced all suspension and steering parts with OE/OEM during the major DIY overhaul project.

Seaway · Post by **Seaway** » 28 Oct 2015, 14:14

You okay may also want toto check your tie rod ends. Inexpensive and easy to replace. They also have a ball joint.