Re: fair price for ball joint replacement?
 

martin lynch <odiegoogle@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:71d73ad0-c11c-478d-a360-61b2fb97baf4@u8g2000yqn.googlegroups.com:

> On Apr 5, 6:27 pm, Tegger <invalid@invalid.inv> wrote:
>> martin lynch <odiegoogle@yahoo.com> wrote in
>> news:09842c8d-26dc-434c-bf03
> -
>> 70809cb29...@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.


<proper crossposting added to alt.autos.honda>

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.

See here for more fun information:
<http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/lowerballjoint/index.html>



--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: fair price for ball joint replacement?
 

Tegger <invalid@invalid.inv> wrote in news:Xns9BE4C613369Ategger@
208.90.168.18:

> martin lynch <odiegoogle@yahoo.com> wrote in
> news:71d73ad0-c11c-478d-a360-61b2fb97baf4@u8g2000yqn.googlegroups.com:
>

>
>
>>
>> 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.
>



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.



--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: fair price for ball joint replacement?
 

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...


>
> 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.
>
> --
> Tegger
>
> The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQwww.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: fair price for ball joint replacement?
 

martin lynch <odiegoogle@yahoo.com> wrote in
news:7fb222d2-e06a-4106-a1a7-4d390186ba84@q16g2000yqg.googlegroups.com:

> 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).




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

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



> 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...



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.




--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/