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Ball Joint Replacement Cost

How Much Does Ball Joint Replacement Cost?

low cost Do-It-Yourself Parts: $125-$320
low costMedium: $500-$1,100

Related Topics:

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Wheel Alignment

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A pivotal part of a vehicle's suspension system is the ball joint, which has a round ball-like head that swivels inside a cup-like socket. Usually there are four ball joints in a car's front suspension, with an upper and lower one on each front wheel.
 
Typical costs:
  • Having a mechanic replace four ball joints (two per wheel on front suspension systems) runs around $500 -$1,100, depending on the make, model and year of the vehicle. Cars with easy access will take less time and therefore be at the lower end of the scale. High-end luxury cars will be at the high end of the price range, and may cost even more.
  • Basic parts for a do-it-yourself project start around $30 -$80 per ball joint, or $125 -$320 for four, but can go higher for luxury or rare vehicles. Some ball joints are connected to the control arm in one assembly, which must be replaced as a complete unit; part kits for this start average about $500 -$650.
What should be included:
  • Although ball joints are generally extremely durable, they can wear out eventually and the ball won't fit in the socket as well as it did originally. The California Bureau of Auto Repair gives an overview, with illustrations.
  • Popular Mechanics says it's moderately difficult to replace a ball joint, and if the particular vehicle requires the use of a spring compressor it's better to have the job done by a professional mechanic. MobilOil.com rates the project as difficult and estimates it takes an average of three hours.
Additional costs:
  • Some vehicles may require a wheel alignment after replacing the ball joints; this can add $60 -$100 to the total cost. Check the specifications for your car to see if an alignment is needed (it isn't always necessary).
Shopping for ball joint replacement:
  • AutoEducation.com lists tips for choosing a repair shop. Labor usually costs the most. Find out whether the shop charges a flat rate based on the manufacturer's estimated repair times (the customer pays more if it takesc longer to do the job) or the actual time it takes to do the job. Many firms charge a separate diagnostic fee and most repair shops use a higher grade of replacement parts than the cheapest ones available from discount retailers; AA1Car.com gives an overview.
  • Ball joints are available through JC Whitney or PartsAmerica.com.
  • Professional ball joint replacement is offered by Midas car care centers; by auto dealers; or get referred to a certified local repair shop through the National Association for Automotive Service Excellence.
Article updated October 2007
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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Ball Joint Replacement
Amount: $680.00
Posted by: RKD in Tuscaloosa, AL.Posted: August 25th, 2010 11:08AM
Make: 2001 FordModel: Taurus
Shop: Dealer
Price included parts, labor, and tax for replacing ball joints and the alignment.
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Ball Joint Replacement
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: simma in Vancouver, Other.Posted: September 3rd, 2010 07:09PM
Make: HyundaiModel: Accent
Shop: Advanced automotive
I was skeptical whether this repair was even needed...
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Lower ball joint replacements
Amount: $550.00
Posted by: Athanasios in Dennisport, MA.Posted: September 16th, 2010 05:09AM
Make: Ford 2001Model: Explorer
Shop: Town Auto
I was told that the price was high because my vehicle was a four-wheel drive and accounted for extra labor. I have no idea if this is true or not.
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Lower Ball Joint Replacement
Amount: $890.00
Posted by: a user in Edina, MN.Posted: September 20th, 2010 12:09PM
Make: 2003 FordModel: F150
Shop: Apple Valley Ford
Lower ball joints replaced, Idler arms, alignment, labor, tax. Seems to be an ok price.
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ball joint assembly right wheel 2 joints
Amount: $426.98
Posted by: martin in niceville, FL.Posted: September 21st, 2010 02:09PM
Make: fordModel: fusion
Shop: AA Auto care
went there to have my wheel bearing checked after it sounded like it made funny noises, had it replaced the week before and the shop said it was my ball joints and that the vibrations caused it.. they charge 80 per hour which is a bit high but the quality overall is excellent
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Replaced upper and lower ball joints
Amount: $550.00
Posted by: Sara G in Missouri City, TX.Posted: October 11th, 2010 08:10AM
Make: Ford 2001Model: F150
Shop: Falsone
I know that if it would have been taken to a dealer it would have been 1000 or more.
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r and l upper ball joints/control arms
Amount: $462.00
Posted by: vhogston in indpls, IN.Posted: October 12th, 2010 03:10PM
Make: fordModel: explorer sport
Shop: edwards transmission-indpls
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Replaced lower Ball Joint
Amount: $240.00
Posted by: a user in Plymouth, NH.Posted: November 11th, 2010 12:11PM
Make: ToyotaModel: Tacoma
Shop: KTM
Replaced lower ball joint. parts and labor
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Replaced upper Ball Joint w/ Control arm
Amount: $379.00
Posted by: B.O.B in Hartford, CT.Posted: November 17th, 2010 05:11AM
Make: LexusModel: GS 300
Shop: Errol Autobody
I bought the upper ball joint w/ control arm MYSELF online for ONLY 279.00 !!! compared to the Lexus dealership charging $518.00 !! Sears was charging me $702.00 for repairs because of there absurd Parts & Labor Price mark-ups. So I took the car to a private owned auto repair business & $aved $329.00 !! My advice is by your own parts online & you'll SAVE alot ! "Spend Smart"
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Ball Joints Replacement
Amount: $1,200.00
Posted by: Len Steiner in Huntsville, AL.Posted: November 19th, 2010 10:11AM
Make: DodgeModel: 2002 Ram 1500
Shop: Firestone, Huntsville, AL.
My wife took the truck to Firestone to have the tires we purchased there (Bridgestone) rotated. The mechanic stated that the ball joint had to be replaced on my 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The price seemed high but we had it done anyway. We use the truck a lot. It has 78,000 miles on it. I don't have the breakdown but I know they had to do an alignment also.
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Ball joints, bushings, and control arms replaced (4 wheels)
Amount: $380.00
Posted by: RobinC in Charlottesville, VA.Posted: December 1st, 2010 11:12AM
Make: PorscheModel: Boxster 2001
Shop: Home
I've replaced ball joints on both my 01 Boxster and my 86 Volvo 240. The Volvo cost me 30 dollars and about an hour labor for the two front wheels. The Boxster about $380 (with tools) and about 3 hours labor total for all four wheels. I replaced the ball joints and 2 bushings on each wheel and had to buy a ball joint separator. Make sure a shop (who should be able to do the work more efficiently than me in my driveway)doesn't charge you for me than that.
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RF ball joint
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: MaryPat King in North Hampton, NH.Posted: December 14th, 2010 09:12AM
Make: SubaruModel: 2006 Impreza hatchback
Shop: Exeter Subaru
I found this site helpful. I received a quote of $145 at the dealer and wanted to know how the price compared. Of course, I always wonder if it really needs repair or if I'm being "taken", if the problem isn't obvious... But they flunked my inspection so it probably is a problem...
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4 ball joints and alignment
Amount: $830.00
Posted by: RVC in Chicago, IL.Posted: January 15th, 2011 07:01AM
Make: JeepModel: 2001 Cherokee
Shop: Friends Garage
Upper and lower ball joints and alignment
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1x Ball joint, 4 wheel alignment
Amount: $394.00
Posted by: winjet1 in Charlotte, NC.Posted: January 16th, 2011 03:01PM
Make: FordModel: Mustang
Shop: Tire Kingdom #328
The Lower Control Arm had already fallen and the lower balljoint was done. Since the car is from MA there was a lot of salt corrosion which resulted in more labor. Price also included a 6 month/6000mi 4 wheel alignment.
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upper and lower ball joints.axel joints,hub seals, allignment
Amount: $797.28
Posted by: Dave B in Minnetonka, MN.Posted: February 17th, 2011 05:02PM
Make: FordModel: F350 4x4
Shop: Samaritan Tire
Both sides were wobbly.Had a whining noise from r.side which was a bad seal in the hub. Replaced the ujoints on each front wheel too. Lotsa work!
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upper and lower ball joints on driver/passenger side
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: Lynx Christ Music in ft lauderdale, FL.Posted: March 2nd, 2011 09:03AM
Make: mercuryModel: grand marquise
car was squeeking really bad. and handling was terrible. I got work done by a mobile mechanic. i usually have him come to my home and do the work.
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balljoints, tie rods, new rotors, new pads, new sway bar bushing.
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: a user in downey, CA.Posted: March 5th, 2011 12:03AM
Make: saturnModel: sl
Shop: my house
why make auto mechanics rich? 1 hour labor 40.00 to 80.00, thats crazy. try doing it yourselves first,if too hard take to shop. Buy maintanance book, you will be surprise how much you will be able to do and SAVE.
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Front lower left ball joint
Amount: $206.00
Posted by: Nashvillian in Brentwood, TN.Posted: March 18th, 2011 04:03PM
Make: FordModel: Mustang
Shop: Rhea Little Shell
Driver's side lower ball joint replaced. Parts 96 + 5(shop parts?), labor 87, tax 18. No alignment (just had it aligned a few weeks prior).
Mustangs seem to be notorious for ball joint problems. Mine has 80k miles, but started 'shaking' on the highway at 60k. Burned a set of tires in that 20k by not having it done sooner.
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UPPER/LOWER BALL JOINT
Amount: $780.90
Posted by: PEARLL E in MONROE, NC.Posted: March 21st, 2011 11:03AM
Make: 1998 DODGEModel: RAM 1500
Shop: CGS AUTO
AFTER REPLACING MAKE SURE YOU GO BACK FOR ADJUSTMENTS.DRIVING AT 55MPH AND HITTING THE BRAKES IT STARTED TO SHAKE A LITTLE AND I HEARD A BOPPING NOISE PLUSE THE ALIGNMENT WAS A LITTLE OFF.
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attempted rip off at express auto service
Amount: $112.32
Posted by: lucas in upper marlboro, MD.Posted: May 10th, 2011 06:05PM
Make: 99 fordModel: f-150 2wd
Shop: my driveway
moved to fredericksburg recently from md., needed to switch to va. tags, went to express auto to get state inspection, they said upper and lower ball joints were bad, there cost to replace $1,244.00, I said can't be, they said ok but upper left and lowers both bad, not so, lowers bad only. parts at advance auto, $112.32 loaner ball joint press $00.0 - I did work in about 6 hours but I'm a little slow as I have arthritus and am 75 years old.
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Right Upper & Lower
Amount: $360.00
Posted by: randyh in Woodbridge, VA.Posted: May 14th, 2011 01:05PM
Make: 94 FordModel: Econoline
Shop: StevesAuto
Excellent shop!! 120 parts plus 240 labor
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Bit expensive i think
Amount: $550.00
Posted by: biamj06 in silver spring, MD.Posted: May 16th, 2011 07:05AM
Make: dodgeModel: durango
replacing 2 all Joints
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Upper and lower replacement of Ball Joints
Amount: $2,000.00
Posted by: a user in Melbourne, FL.Posted: May 27th, 2011 01:05AM
Make: 1990 LEXUSModel: LS400
Shop: GATTO
Thought expensive but its such as great car did it anyway. Lexus wanted $6000.00 for same job. Hope to get another 485,000 miles out of this car. Its my million mile car
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Replaced 4 ball joints
Amount: $471.00
Posted by: lilsismebe in Denville, NJ.Posted: June 9th, 2011 04:06PM
Make: 2000 FordModel: Explorer Sport
Shop: Firestone
Went there to get new tires and alignment fixed because mine had worn unevenly. Come to find out that it was caused by loose ball joints. The new joints cost $471 but all together: 4 New LT tires, new ball joints, alignment service and an oil change cost $976. Im happy with that.
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Ball joint replacement
Amount: $1,543.00
Posted by: Mike in Dawson Creek in Dawson Creek, Other.Posted: July 8th, 2011 07:07AM
Make: ChevroletModel: Avalanche
Shop: Brown's Chevrolet
Lower ball joints - $941.00
Upper ball joints - $593.00

I was totally shocked when presented with the invoice. I was expecting a total around $1000 for this repair after receiving a quote for this and a few other items. The dealer's explanation was that the other items were not part of his overall quote. My advice is to make sure that you shop around prior to any repair and avoid the dealerships.
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4 ball joints replaced
Amount: $147.76
Posted by: kidracer15 in Lewisville, TX.Posted: August 8th, 2011 05:08PM
Make: FordModel: Expedition 1999
Shop: Just Brakes
I was told it would cost me almost a $1000.00 from other places then called just brakes and had them do it in about 45 min.... Awsome
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ball joint
Amount: $140.00
Posted by: errol in richmond hill, NY.Posted: August 23rd, 2011 06:08AM
Make: nissanModel: pathfinder
Shop: myself
after getting a quote for 1100+ i decided to do it my self since i already have the tools,i'm kind of a tool freak:)the lower ball joints cost 28 dollars each (front)and the outer steering ends 14 dollars each it took me approx 6hrs since i'm a loner.but igot it done for less than a quarter off the total cost.the rest of the total was for computerized wheel allignment which is necessary
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replaced 4 balljoints wheel bearing and shaft seal
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: yacobelli in highland, MI.Posted: August 30th, 2011 06:08AM
Make: 2001 ford super dutyModel:
Shop: my driveway
I do my own work and for one reason not to get ripped of by a dealership, they wanted to charge 1100 rollers. What a joke.
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Only one upper ball joint replaced - ridiculously high!!!!
Amount: $540.00
Posted by: Got Bamboozled in South Holland, .Posted: September 19th, 2011 11:09AM
Make: JeepModel: Libery - Sport
Shop: Value Plus Muffler - Markham, IL
Ok - from the prices I'm seeing on here. I definitely got jipped! I'm a female, so I wouldn't have known what to expect in pricing. Also, later found out there was a recall on the lower ball joints on the Jeeps. Nice, huh...
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Ball joint replacement
Amount: $1,450.00
Posted by: MEM79 in Baton Rouge, LA.Posted: October 7th, 2011 09:10PM
Make: 98 Mercury Grand MarquisModel:
Shop: Midad
Got my grandmothers car free and clear but knew there would need to be some front end repairs due to the fact it was not driven and had corroded to a certain degree bc there were no grease fittings. Ended up needing ball joints which came in kit, pitman arm, idler arm and tire rod ends plus they undercoat the car bc of minor rust damage and an alignment. Was more than an individual shop owner but cheaper than dealership and the work oys guaranteed foyt ary least a year so I was happy. Essentially paid 1500 bucks for a brand new car.
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Ball joint replacement
Amount: $694.00
Posted by: truffledog in Poway, CA.Posted: December 2nd, 2011 07:12PM
Make: SubaruModel: Forester
Shop: Freddy's Auto Repair
driver's side ball joint replacement -- price included changing of brake fluid, rotor resurfacing and wheel alignment. (ball joint alone was in the mid 4's).
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Ball joint replacement and alignment
Amount: $283.00
Posted by: Craig Prestero in Corpus Christi, TX.Posted: December 18th, 2011 02:12PM
Make: MercuryModel: Grand Marquis
Shop: Delta Tire & Wheel
Great shop to do business with.
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Ball Joint Reeplacement
Amount: $600.00
Posted by: Multiple Mercedes Owner in Pelham, NY.Posted: January 20th, 2012 09:01AM
Make: 2006 MercedesModel: ML 500 4MATIC
Shop: Pro Tech Benz
Drivers side wheel bearing.
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