Hi eveyone,
I have a 1997 Blazer 4x4 truck. I was told by the mechanic that I needed new ball joints. The quote was close to $400.00 in parts alone. the quote was for two upepr ball joints, and two lower joints. Labour is not included ( roughly about 400.00 ) Canadian. I went to the autozone web site, and I priced out two upper and two lower joints for a grand total of $117.00 Canadian!, so obviously the car parts cost in Canada for this vehicle is so much higher. I went to a local Lordo auto parts store ( kinda like autozone ) , and they were asking 90.00 for the upper joint alone!!!.
Anyhow, here comes the two question I have for everyone.
- has anyone ever changed the uuper/lower joint in a blazer? is it hard to do? Looking at the Autozone web site
It doesnt look all that difficult, apart from having to buy or borrow a ball joint remover tool, it looks quite straight forward. However , I have never done this job before. I have done basic stuffs like changing the thermotast, etc. I do know I may throw my wheel out of balance, however, even if I purchase tools, get the wheel aligned after I am done, etc, I am still saving a few hundred dollars. If one of you guys done this in this type of vehicle, could you kindly tell me what to look for in term of potential problems? etc. I will highly appreciated.
- Second question, to all Canadians here....
I have never really had to buy a part from the US before. I live 20 minutes away from the border. If I purchase a part for an american vehicle sold in Canada, will I have to pay duty? if so, any idea how much? i alway thought that with the free trade agreement, any goods sold and made in North America should flow freely without fees, am I correct? Please correct me if I am wrong. I have decided to run down there and pick up the needed parts. It just too costly up here, and my budget is pretty tight... :(
thanks!