07 V70 112K Replaced 1 ball joint; Replace other?

OliPhant · Post by **OliPhant** » 19 Feb 2023, 13:02

Hi All,
07 V70 112K. Just replaced pass. side (US) original front lower ball joint. Much better re clunking, stability, etc. Indy shop says driver’s side joint is ok; however I’m debating replacing it. I’d value opinions.

A. Reasons TO REPLACE the other ball joint:
Symmetry… both sides new.
Replacing both at once is best practice?
At 112k its days are numbered?
Replacing ball joints is just regular maintenance?
I have a shop that does it right at fair price.

B. Reasons NOT TO replace:
If ain’t broke don’t fix it.
Driver’s side (US) parts way outlast passenger side?
Spend $ on pressing items.

Thanks!

Post by **Krons** » 19 Feb 2023, 13:34

I typically do any suspension, steering, etc in pairs. Likely won’t hurt anything, could replace both when you eventually do struts and control arms.

Post by **cn90** » 19 Feb 2023, 13:46

Always do it in pair and use only good stuff like Lemforder etc.
But if you are financially stuck, then do only the bad side, then wait to have $ to do the other side
(unless you spend $ on alignment).

Post by **abscate** » 19 Feb 2023, 14:47

If your roads are good then dont replace until other stuff is needed.

Post by **erikv11** » 19 Feb 2023, 23:23

It's good practice to replace them in pairs but not at all necessary.

Let it ride until it wears out or you are in there anyway and have the cash for it, like abscate said.

Post by **jonesg** » 20 Feb 2023, 03:11

I did one ball joint, then that tire wore unevenly so bought a new tire and had it aligned.
Next time the other side wore out and I did the same thing, same mistake and wore another tire out before getting it aligned again.
Then did both drop links and alignment again.
It cost me several alignments and 2 tires before I woke up.
Thats $500 extra by doing things piecemeal , I could have just paid a mechanic and had it all done in one shot.

Post by **abscate** » 20 Feb 2023, 05:33

I would have to be really pinching a Penny to do one side of a front end but when times are tough you do what is needed and no more

It’s certainly standard practice to refresh suspension, brakes , in pairs but it isn’t “required” or a “ safety issue “ as some parrot.

I’ve run mismatched brake pads on cars and if I get good smooth powerful brakes , I’m happy.

For me, I replace In pairs so I only have one order to chase when I FReeCP them