Is this ball joint install price unreasonable?

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ShoogDoog

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Hello, all. I have an '04 V8 with 86k mi.

Well, after noticing a clunk in the front end for a while, I suspected ball joints after a search of the forums. Took it to the dealer yesterday: verdict - yep, lower ball joints both sides. Their price for replacing both lower ones is $1320!!! And they said I need struts, too. Overall total: $2320. From what I've seen on this site, these prices seem outrageous, right? Is a place like Goodyear or another tire place capable of doing this? I don't mind going to the dealer for many things, but I just think they're going too far with this one.

I'm done with working on cars anymore, especially jobs like this, so any input on this dealer's attempt and suggestions for what type of place can do this work would be appreciated.

Thanks guys,

Ed
 
Well........

Dealer price for the listed parts alone is ~$1350.

I would get the shocks from either Tasca (www.tascaparts.com), Rock Auto or even Ford Parts Giant. The lower ball joints are replaceable, you just have to find a shop willing to do the work on an aluminum control arm. Rock Auto for sure sells the ball joint, I just don't remember what I paid 4ish years ago. Any competent shop should be able to replace the shocks for ~$60 apiece (I would do the rears also as they carry almost as much weight and stress as the fronts).
 
Those prices seem fine for a dealer. Remember the dealer will only replace the knuckle and not press in a new ball joint. Each Knuckle is appox $550 new from Ford. If you want it cheaper you will need to find a shop who will press in/out new ball joints in an aluminum knuckle.
 
LS4me said:
Well........

Dealer price for the listed parts alone is ~$1350.

I would get the shocks from either Tasca (www.tascaparts.com), Rock Auto or even Ford Parts Giant. The lower ball joints are replaceable, you just have to find a shop willing to do the work on an aluminum control arm. Rock Auto for sure sells the ball joint, I just don't remember what I paid 4ish years ago. Any competent shop should be able to replace the shocks for ~$60 apiece (I would do the rears also as they carry almost as much weight and stress as the fronts).
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Was about to say the same thing. If you are confident enough, you can do the job on your own and save a bunch of cash, but that doesn't sound like your cup of tea.

On a tangent here, I always wonder if they compound labor times? For example if replacing lower & upper control arms and the steering knuckle (lower ball joint) will they charge you the whole labor cost for all of those pieces individually or only as long as the job takes?
 
jmtiseo said:
Was about to say the same thing. If you are confident enough, you can do the job on your own and save a bunch of cash, but that doesn't sound like your cup of tea.

On a tangent here, I always wonder if they compound labor times? For example if replacing lower & upper control arms and the steering knuckle (lower ball joint) will they charge you the whole labor cost for all of those pieces individually or only as long as the job takes?
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Most shops have a program that tells them how long this job takes and how long this one does too, they add that up and that's what they charge. My independent shop I go to does it that way.
 
Find a reputable front end/suspension shop, some are machine shops also. See if you can purchase parts and have them install.
 
purevilpleasure said:
Most shops have a program that tells them how long this job takes and how long this one does too, they add that up and that's what they charge. My independent shop I go to does it that way.
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Most independents use Alldata. I'm sure dealers have their own books. I know a mechanic at a dealer who "booked" around 80 hours of work one week.
 
Thus the name "Stealerships" ... word "fraud" comes to mind.
 
BigRigLS said:
Thus the name "Stealerships" ... word "fraud" comes to mind.
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Not really. If they get the job done in less than the allotted time, bully for them. If it takes longer (which RARELY happens) they are out the money. Way back when my 2000 was new I had a hydraulic fan issue. Book time was something like a couple of hours. It actually took him closer to 12 hours to do the job (I knew him and got to discuss this with him) so he theoretically lost money.

Pretty much EVERY shop uses some sort of (perceived) inflated book time.

Some days you're the windshield; some days you're the bug.....
 
Yup. I always call the stealership for when I need a good laugh, (for p/n & compare price)
my eibach's front only, had read on here someone pulled 1.7hrs from ALLDATA, stealers quoted me 2.5hrs.
went to local tire guys instead, cash no receipt ... 120$ out the door. took them just under 1.5hrs (cash talks)
 
my front passenger wheel broke off the knuckle a few months ago, I took it to a local shop. I had the upper control arm fixed, ball joint, and a few odds and ends and they charged me $600 for everything. Maybe it isn't the same as having the whole joint and everything replaced, but that sounds like robbery
 
Not to hijack this thread, but does anyone have a reference diagram clearly depicting the front suspension on this car? I hear some many terms thrown around it's hard to keep up.
 
stay away from the ford stealer... That job should not cost you anymore than $600 to $800... That is totally insane of a price... You know all the stuff it needs now... Buy it all... Then have a mechanic do it... Or a possibility.. Go to the local tech college in your area.. 1st ask instructor if they are teaching the class about front end diagnostics.. if so bam your in, they will do it for free.. if not Im sure you can ask one of the students to do it for you... offer him $40 bucks an hour to do the work.. Its worth a shot.... but Im telling you now, NO WAY does that job need to cost that much, I don't care how bad the front end is....
 
If you click your way through fordpartsgiant.com they will have the exploded assemblies that show what each part is. Pretty handy if you ask me.
 
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