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Re: fair price for ball joint replacement?

martin lynch wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@u8g2000yqn.googlegroups.com:

>> martin lynch wrote in >> news:09842c8d-26dc-434c-bf03 > - >> snipped-for-privacy@w40g2000yqd.googlegroups.com: >> >> > I was quoted $600 for replacing both front ball joints on my 2001 >> > Civic.  The price also includes wheel alignment, which I'm told >> > would be necessary with the job.  I live in Buffalo, NY.  Does this >> > seem like a fair price?  A quick google search leads me to believe >> > that the quote is high.... >> >> It appears the ball joints on this vehicle are integral with the >> steering knuckle, at least with OEM parts. The price you've been >> quoted is probably from a Honda dealer, and includes new knuckles. >> >> There are aftermarket ball joints that can be pressed into the >> existing knuckle (closer to your $300 guess), but I think you would >> regret that choice in less than two years. Ever had a ball joint >> break on you? >> >> > > > The quote was actually from an independent shop. I failed to ask > exactly what parts would be replaced.

Then you should ask and tell. Otherwise you may mislead others here and receive useless advice.

> What would happen if the shop only replaced the ball joint and not the > knuckle? Are you suggesting that pressing a new ball joint into the > knuckle would weaken the interface and cause it to fail again > prematurely?

That would be the danger, yes. That would be why Honda does not offer separate ball joints for this model. Ball joints are under considerable stress in operation.

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Reply to
Tegger
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Tegger wrote in news:Xns9BE4C613369Ategger@

208.90.168.18:

No idea if "martin lynch" will ever check in on this thread again (I hope he does, if he hasn't got the work done yet), but I just discovered something:

Honda had issued a TSB (06-035) which says that Honda has new ball joints that may be installed into existing steering knuckles on SOME '98-'02 Accords, obviating the need to replace the entire knuckle. The new ball joint part number is 06523-S84-405. The TSB outlines the exact installation procedure, which may be performed without removing the knuckle from the car.

It seems premature ball joint wear is a known issue on these cars. The original ball joint has a different part number from its replacement, suggesting different fit, product improvement, or both.

Reply to
Tegger

Much obliged for this message Tegger! I was actually going to call the mechanic tommorow, so I'm glad I checked on here tonight first.

I actually have a Civic, not Accord, but a search shows a TSB for the

2001-2005 Civic exists as well (04-079). Further google search shows that some District Managers MIGHT repair the ball joint free, even out of warranty. I'm not crossing my fingers but it's worth a shot...

Reply to
martin lynch

martin lynch wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@q16g2000yqg.googlegroups.com:

And so it does. My mistake, sorry. Same problem, same solution, different details.

The new Civic ball joint part number is 51220-S5A-305.

This is the sort of situation where it really helps to have a good relationship with your "stealer$hip". I'm glad I maintain that with my local dealer, who have been very good to me over these many years.

Reply to
Tegger

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