auto experts: ball joints and control arms?

[AllGold]

I have a 2012 Equinox that is past due for ball joint replacement on both sides. Alone, that's not nearly as expensive as also replacing the control arms and/or control arm bushings.

How likely is it that if the ball joints are done-for, the control arms are as well?

[Cary]

It should be cheaper, from a labor perspective, to change control arms (which come with new ball joints and bushings).

Parts are more, labor less (or equal) for control arm job.

I would change the control arms.

[Racer X]

An entire front end kit from RockAuto is $323. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=12167409&cc=1502125&pt=15413&jsn=457&jsn=457

or just the lower complete control arm assembly is between $80 and $100, depending on brand.

With power tools, and a lift, it shouldn't take long to swap the control arms.

New strut assemblies are about $140 each, including new springs.

When I have done mine, I tear everything down to the frame and replace everything at once.

[mrbigstuff]

What racer said. And I also agree that you should do both. But the ball joints keep your car wheel from flopping over, the control arms keep it tracking correctly. Both are crucial but the ball joints are much more so.

[mrbigstuff]

But if you've never done suspension work, it could be a little daunting if you encounter rust or a stuck bolt.

[cbelt3]

mrbigstuff wrote:
But if you've never done suspension work, it could be a little daunting if you encounter rust or a stuck bolt.

[mrbigstuff]

cbelt3 wrote:
[quote=mrbigstuff]
But if you've never done suspension work, it could be a little daunting if you encounter rust or a stuck bolt.

The one thing that's missing is the iron fence post for "leverage."

[Diana]

mrbigstuff wrote:
[quote=cbelt3]
[quote=mrbigstuff]
But if you've never done suspension work, it could be a little daunting if you encounter rust or a stuck bolt.

The one thing that's missing is the iron fence post for "leverage."
Ah yes, the cheater bar.

[RAMd®d]

If a nut or bolt is really stuck, a penetrating oil like PB Blaster and an impact wrench are one's best chances of removal.

Often cranking with a cheater bar will twist the body of the bolt, eventually breaking it off.

Lighter impacts and penetrating oil can break a bolt or nut loose and remove either without further demolition needed.

[AllGold]

mrbigstuff wrote:
But if you've never done suspension work, it could be a little daunting if you encounter rust or a stuck bolt.

I never have... and probably never will. :wink:

I was just asking because of the large variance in estimates from a few shops depending on what they were actually replacing.

A few months back, my regular shop quoted me just over $700. That's for control arms, too. Recently, I decided to check online and found a quote for ball joints at under $300. Then I checked with a third shop who was surprised that they sell ball joints alone, and told me I would very likely have control arm bushings that needed to be replaced as well.

I guess I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and pay the money.