topgun129

Hi,

I'm starting to hear a creaking noise coming from the front drivers side tire area. Also I've noticed when I take a left turn the steering doesn't as easily turn back, I have to pull it back a little to center the steering out after nearing the end or a turn. It also has a little bit of a rattle pitch to it like something is loosened or getting bent.

I don't think its the power steering fluid.

Any ideas what it might be?

Thanks!

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

Lower ball joint are toast. Better change it before it breaks and you crash and burn. I would change both sides cuz the other one will fail soon enough

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

All the signs of a bad ball joint. As everyone else will say, change immediately or a $200-300 repair will quickly become a $1-2k repair

marshun

300 repair? wtf? the joints are about 30 bucks a pop. literally takes like 10 minutes to change

1UGLYGS

iTrader: (2)

10 minutes is not the ideal time it takes.... I wouldn't tell someone, yep it'll only take 20 minutes to do both ball joints on your car, Especially since it sounds like the OP has never done it before. I'd give yourself an hour total to do both sides, and your looking closer to $100 total for both ball joints(non-oem). It's a fairly easy process, do some searching on here and you'll find a DIY.

maxx430

time estimate is accurate but i dont know about $100 for both non oem ball joint. you can get moog for about 30 a piece. also would recommend the tie rod too since your in there.

1UGLYGS

iTrader: (2)

yeah, if you order it online you could get it for around $30-35 each. My price was based off of autozone/local @ $45 each x2 and then tax.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

You forget that not everyone works on their own cars, $300 is around how much the average shop will charge. The dealer charges $300 for just one side, not including the cost of an alignment.

marshun

well changing the ball joint is stupid easy. im saying 60-70 bucks and a couple hours (lets say it actually takes 2 hours so you guys dont get all worked up)

read a diy and go for it. you can rent tools at whatever major parts store. easy.

lets say that 300 per side x2. 600 bucks. takes a couple hours (cause shops do that ****)
vs
you do it yourself, 60-70 bucks, takes a couple hours.

now if it was something more involved like setting valve lash. then yeah, maybe a shop would be a better bet. but something this easy? no way

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

To some, it's not worth the hassle to spend an extra $100-$200 bucks, which is most people, at least most of the people I know, especially if they are busy or have other things going on. At least if you have a shop do it, it doesn't dosrupt your day, you get a loaner, and you have a warranty incase something goes wrong. If you **** up a ball joint, it's on you, but if a shop does it, they are completely liable which is great. Don't get me wrong, I do some really minor things myself, but most people either don't have the time, the tools, or even the space to do work on their own car.

eloxithack

You forget that not everyone works on their own cars[img]**************/40Fxbu[/img]

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

I think the horse is dead guys