Replacing control arms but ball joints look good...

[Scruffy]

Hey everyone, I have a dilemma here. I checked my front suspension and the control arm bushings are definitely shot. I realize I could get the bushings pressed out and replaced, but for the labour cost (especially because I can do the work myself this way) it's cheaper to just get new control arms. I'll be getting OEM, most likely Lemforders.

Here's what I'm wondering about: the ball joints seem pretty good. The boots are good, there's little or no play in them. On the other hand, I have to remove them anyway in order to change the control arms, and I don't know if they've ever been replaced (definitely not in the past 7 years anyway).

So, should I replace them while I'm in there, or reuse the old ones?

[cn90]

If the Ball Joints is still good, re-use them.
You can always replace them later.
You will never know the P.O. replace them already.

My 2004 V70 ball joints were still OK at 110K, but a bit loose not stiff like factory.
My guess is the ball joints fail at 130k miles or so.
But this also depends on driving style, # of potholes etc.

[jonesg]

It's not a job you want to do twice for the cost of balljoints.
You'll need alignment too.

[Krons]

Seperating my lower control arms from the ball joints was quite frustrating. I'd replace them while you are there just for peace of mind.

[Blacklab467]

Ball joints are easy and quick to do and it's probably time especially since you are replacing LCA's. Search my posts for a pictorial on the job. I would strongly encourage use of only OEM parts on the front end! I would favour new Volvo bushings in the old LCA's but understand the time constraints and cost of labour, save your old Volvo LCA's and maybe consider putting new bushings in them for a spare set or resale.
You will disturb only the camber component of the alignment doing this job, if you are confident you can use a level to realign this after the work is done but a full alignment is probably prudent.

[cn90]

- It also depends on your budget.

- If the P.O. already replaced the ball joint, you should keep it.

- The ball joint can be replaced later independetly.
I posted the tricks in XC90 forum.
Instead of the specialized tool (for installation), use PVC pipe coupler, it is not that difficult.

[chris11211]

Better to have it on standby until after the job. If you have a garage or time I'd remove the entire knuckle so the control arm job can be 1000x easier, and I'd buy the CV axle bolts so that you can replace it just in case the BJ's doesn't need replacing. While the knuckle is removed you should get a full 360 view of the BJ and really judge if you should replace them or not. that's because the tears have a tendency to hide or can only be seen if you manipulate the whole thing.

And of course, unless you got that lifetime alignment. You'd better be sure that it's the only job you need to do down there.