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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