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CostHelper > Cars  > Ball Joint Replacement

Ball Joint Replacement Cost


How Much Does Ball Joint Replacement Cost?

 
low costDo-It-Yourself: $125-$400+average costRepair Shop: $350-$2,200+

A pivotal part of a vehicle's suspension system, a ball joint 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 wheel. Depending on the wear pattern on the suspension system, it can be necessary to replace one, two or all four ball joints.

Typical costs:

  • Hiring a mechanic to replace four ball joints (two per wheel on front suspension systems) can cost $350-$2,200 or more, depending on the make, model and year of the vehicle; how difficult it is to access the ball joints and whether the work is done at an independent or chain repair shop, or at a car dealership. In general, luxury or exotic vehicles will be at the upper end of the price range for this repair. To replace one or two ball joints, CostHelper readers report paying $260-$1,450, for an average of $522. To replace four ball joints, CostHelper readers report paying $360-$2,000, with an average price of $677.
  • Basic parts for a do-it-yourself project start around $30-$100 per ball joint, or $125-$400 for four, but it can cost more 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 average about $500-$650. CostHelper readers report paying $112-$400 or an average of $249 for do-it-yourself materials for a project that took three to six hours of work.
Related articles: Car Suspension, Car Shock Absorbers, Replacing a Transmission, Replacing a CV Boot, Replacing a Timing Belt, Wheel Alignment

What should be included:
  • Although ball joints are generally durable, they can wear out eventually and the ball won't fit in the socket as well as it did originally. Depending on the vehicle, driving habits, driving conditions and wear patterns, a ball joint can wear out at 30,000 miles, 100,000 miles, 150,000 miles or more. Symptoms that a ball joint might need replacing include a clicking or thumping noise when going over a bump or hitting a pothole, or a shake, shimmy or vibration in the steering. A mechanic can measure the looseness of the old ball joint to determine whether it should be replaced. The California Bureau of Auto Repair has an illustrated overview of ball joints[1] .
  • Popular Mechanics[2] rates the difficulty of replacing a ball joint as moderate, but says if the vehicle requires the use of a spring compressor it's better to hire a professional mechanic. MobilOil.com[3] rates the project as difficult and estimates it takes an average of three hours.
Additional costs:
  • Some vehicles require a wheel alignment ($130-$850 per axle) after replacing the ball joints; check the vehicle's specifications to see if an alignment is needed (it isn't always necessary).
Discounts:
  • A CostHelper reader in Illinois reports buying parts for a 1995 Ford Explorer for $50 at Autozone in 2010, and paying a local mechanic $200 for labor to replace the ball joints.
Shopping for ball joint replacement:
  • Ball joint replacement can be done at a car dealership, an independent repair shop or car-repair chains like Firestone[4] , Midas[5] , Pep Boys[6] or Sears[7] .
  • Both the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence[8] and the International Automotive Technicians Network[9] provide a searchable directory of repair shops.
  • Consumer Reports lists tips for finding a good mechanic[10] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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4 ball joints, R, L, upper and lower, + Alignment
Amount: $1,200.00
Posted by: T T in Lake Forest, CA.Posted: August 11th, 2020 10:08PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Crown Victoria
Shop: OC House of Suspension, Lake Forest, CA
Quoted $993 for 3 ball joints and alignment but they decided to replace 4...without calling for authorization. Seems a bit high but it’s now 2020. The shop is reputable with experienced technicians and quality work.
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Seems pricey?
Amount: $765.00
Posted by: Bel in Seattle, WA.Posted: September 17th, 2019 04:09PM
Car Make: FordCar Model: E250
Shop: Midas
Ball joint replacement for front end of the car only.
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Both front lower ball joints replaced
Amount: $780.00
Posted by: Randy Beaverton, OR in Beaverton, OR.Posted: July 5th, 2019 09:07AM
Car Make: FordCar Model: Expedition
Shop: Alignment Specialties
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Ereplace right upper tie rod and lower right ball joint
Amount: $355.00
Posted by: Philip DeVesa in Morristown, NJ.Posted: September 16th, 2018 12:09PM
Car Make: MERCEDES BENZCar Model: 1994 SL 500. Convertible
Shop: Leo boys
I need parts / labor breakdowns
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Sarai
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Sarai in Delmas, AK.Posted: May 26th, 2017 09:05AM
Car Make: BMWCar Model: Haiti
Shop: Walking, hiking
Ball joints are a part of your vehicle s suspension system that connect the steering knuckles to the control arms.
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RT LWR Ball Joint
Amount: $51.00
Posted by: RQ in La Mesa, CA.Posted: March 16th, 2017 03:03PM
Car Make: 2004 FordCar Model: F150 SUPERCREW
Shop: DIY
Purchased OEM Motorcraft lower ball joint for 2004 Ford with 155K miles. Autozone loaned me the ball joint removal tool and torque wrench. very involved but doable for the average DIY. Took me about 5 hours though I was not in a hurry and had no air or speed tools.
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Left side upper and lower ball joint replacement
Amount: $789.00
Posted by: Joe Drake in Laurel, MD.Posted: November 9th, 2016 08:11AM
Car Make: 2000 Mercury Grand MarquesCar Model: Grand Marques
Shop: Tune and Lube Laurel Maryland
Is this a fair price?
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ball joint & inner outer tie rods
Amount: $86.00
Posted by: and1burnout in Kendallville, IN.Posted: November 7th, 2016 07:11PM
Shop: In the road
Bought a kit on amazon 2 ball joints both inner and outer rods for $86 bucks. I will advise the need for a impact wrench to do the job. Without one its alot of headaches and hurt backs. Rented remove ball joint press and tie rod outer fork and inner pipe removal for $225 from OReilly they were free loaner parts once returned.
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Ball joint replacement
Amount: $275.00
Posted by: Truck in Great bend, KS.Posted: September 19th, 2016 09:09PM
Shop: On my own
2002 Lincoln Navigator
Ball joints-$40 $20 a piece new
Inner tie rod-$40 $20 a piece new
Outer tie rod-$40 $20 a piece new
Upper control arm-$80 $40 a piece new
Eagle tire-$75 alignment
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replace all 4 ball joints
Amount: $340.00
Posted by: Cory Cian in tonawanda, NY.Posted: August 30th, 2016 09:08AM
Shop: one stop auto
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Ball joint etc Home job
Amount: $250.00
Posted by: Austin in Springfield, IL.Posted: May 21st, 2016 01:05PM
Car Make: MercuryCar Model: Mountaineer
Shop: Self
We replaced the front end
control arms and (upper) ball joints*
one new rotor 1 remanned
sway bar links*
lower ball joint*
tie rods*
bearings and racers repacked/replaced
*bought on rockauto.com wayy cheap
everything else napa/autozone/oreillys
Did work ourselves took about 8 hours with 3 people and rudimentary tools. pressed balljoints with a hammer and jack
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86Toyota pickup ball joints/idler arm
Amount: $495.00
Posted by: Karen bailey in Bountiful, UT.Posted: May 13th, 2016 02:05PM
Shop: Diy
Replaced lower ball joints idler arm
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Front upper and lower ball joints, front axle, sway bar, upper control arms, power steering flush,
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: TERRA in COLORADO SPRINGS, CO.Posted: May 12th, 2016 01:05PM
Shop: Big 0 tires
Quoted by 2 other shops one at 900 and another at 543
big o first quoted 800
because I'm a girl they thought I was dumb
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1995 Blazer
Amount: $1,000.00
Posted by: John Herr in Hughesville, PA.Posted: March 23rd, 2016 05:03PM
Car Make: ChevyCar Model: Blazer
$200 in parts for upper and lower control arm complete with bushing and ball joints. $90 for inner and outer tie rods and adjusters. 10 hrs. labor because of torsion bars. About a grand all said and done.
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2 Lower Ball Joints and 1 Upper Control Arm Replaced
Amount: $865.00
Posted by: Roman in Westfield, MA.Posted: January 26th, 2016 01:01PM
Car Make: AcuraCar Model: TL Type-S
Shop: Firestone Complete Auto Care
2 front lower ball joints: Parts: $200, Labor: $250
Front right control arm: Parts: $165, Labor: $90
Alignment: $85
Steep price to pay, especially for a college student. Paid triple for parts. Labor costs ended up being roughly $150/hr for 3 hours of work. Car drives noticeably better after replacements and alignment. No more loud creaking when turning the wheel and driving over small bumps. Customer service was good. The price? Not so much.
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Upper lower rear right control arms with ball joints
Amount: $130.00
Posted by: shade tree in Paradise, TX.Posted: January 16th, 2016 01:01PM
Shop: DYI
Bought lower after found the $65 dealer diagnosis of upper ball joint to be incorrect. Replaced both, stealership wanted $575 for just replacing the upper and aligning. Doesn't need rear alignment, they lied again. Sometimes the technician suffer because the ervice writers are theives.
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Left Front Lower Ball Joint Replacement
Amount: $370.00
Posted by: a user in Vaughan, Other.Posted: November 27th, 2015 02:11PM
Car Make: SubaruCar Model: Legacy
Shop: Canadian Tire
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F250 Ball joint replacement costs
Amount: $1,803.40
Posted by: Hokywolf in Tinly Park, IL.Posted: October 17th, 2015 07:10AM
Car Make: FordCar Model: F250
Shop: Guaranteed Transmission Service
Had the truck for 5 days. Replaced upper and lower on both sides. Also had to replace an u-joint and inner / outer axle seals.
Parts $617.76
Misc. shop supplies $37.07
Environmental charge $ 12.36
Labor $1089.51
Labor seemed a little high, appears parts mark-up was xx. X 1.50
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2004 Chrysler Sebring. lower ball joint and axle
Amount: $395.00
Posted by: ozz in merrick, NY.Posted: October 15th, 2015 11:10PM
Shop: center island auto..farmingdale NY
Another shop wanted 550+++ throwing in that tie rods could be bent blah blah blah..NorBel Merrick NY. I towed it to other shop for cheaper work.
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UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS BOTH SIDES 98 DODGE 1500
Amount: $426.00
Posted by: a user in MURF, TN.Posted: July 3rd, 2015 07:07PM
Car Make: DODGECar Model: 1500
Shop: MINE
THATS A FAIR PRICE RITE?
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FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS AND LINK KITS AND ALINMENT
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: [email protected] in HEBRON, OH.Posted: May 5th, 2015 01:05AM
Car Make: FORDCar Model: Taurus
Shop: M&M TRANSMISSIONS
i took my car to the local shop in town because of all the wonderful reviews,after they inspected my car i was told i needed lower ball joints and sway bar link kits. they also advised me if i wanted to buy my own parts i was more than welcome to do so.( has anyone ever heard of this ? ) they did a aliment for free these guys are my home town hero's now !
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4 ball joints replaced, 2 on each side, upper and lower, 2 bent tie rods
Amount: $1,350.00
Posted by: dug in orlando, FL.Posted: March 24th, 2015 07:03PM
Car Make: toyotaCar Model: tacoma
Shop: pep boys
I had all 4 ball joints replaced along with 2 tie rods
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rt. front UPPER & LOWER ball joints + replace wheel bearing.
Amount: $575.00
Posted by: crl8783 in Rochester, NY.Posted: March 21st, 2015 11:03AM
Car Make: 2002GMCCar Model: ENVOY
Shop: MAVIS/COLE MUFFLER,BRAKE,DISCOUNT TIRE..
Gave me a SMALL deal after spending about 1500$ a month prior on new tires, 3 calipers,2 rotors,all pads,fluid flush.. 575$ total including a inspection and tax. Waiting to pick it up right now, don't have a press, and its snowing here so kinda of a pain trying myself. *march2015*
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all ball joints & tie rods
Amount: $190.00
Posted by: p-pimp in Albuquerque, NM.Posted: March 18th, 2015 12:03PM
Shop: myself
115 parts + alignment it is not that hard just buy a manual
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L & R Upper Control Arms w/ ball joints and L & R lower ball joints
Amount: $910.00
Posted by: BennyG in Norwood, MA.Posted: February 26th, 2015 12:02PM
Car Make: 2009 ChevyCar Model: Silverado LS 4x 4 Half Ton
Shop: Rt. 1 Auto Norwood
Replaced OEM upper control arm w/ greasable MOOG ball joint on both driver and passenger side. Replaced lower ball joints on both driver and passenger side w/ MOOG ball joints. Moog makes ball joints with grease fittings. OEM ball joints did not have grease fittings. $95/hr shop labor x 4.8 hrs. Moog parts a little more money but most certainly worth it because I plow and wanted the beefiest aftermarket replacement parts available.
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ball joint replacement
Amount: $584.00
Posted by: aks in Clarksburg, WV.Posted: February 24th, 2015 11:02AM
Car Make: chryslerCar Model: sebring
Shop: quick lane
lower ball joints both sides replaced 2014
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Replaced upper & lower ball joints
Amount: $1,200.00
Posted by: JLD73 in Dallas, TX.Posted: February 21st, 2015 09:02AM
Car Make: Ford 1998Car Model: Expedition XLT
Shop: Love Field Auto
I took the vehicle in for something else and learned that I needed new ball joints. This is the 1st ball joint replacement on this vehicle which has 160k miles
Had mechanic replace upper and lower ball joints, link kit, idler arm and perform alignment.
Lower ball joints (2): $95
Upper control arm/ball joints (2): $230
Link kit (2): $33
Idler Arm (1): $148
Alignment: $170
Labor: $532
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one side ball joints, both front axle u-joints, steering rod, tie rod end, fr shocks
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: anthonynoble83 in clinton, IL.Posted: December 7th, 2014 06:12PM
Car Make: 92 fordCar Model: f150 4x4
Shop: my driveway
extensive work, tons of rust from the illinois winters, not hard labor if you have the right tools, had to drind ball joint nuts w angle grinder as i snapped 1/2 breaker bar on them. probably a total of 4 hours, as i made many trips to autozone.
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2002 Ford Ranger Upper Swing Arms and Lower Ball Joints
Amount: $710.00
Posted by: dan2014y in Suwanee, GA.Posted: October 31st, 2014 08:10AM
Shop: Local Independent Shop
I debated whether to replace these myself. I know I could of saved a bunch of money, but at what cost to my sanity... this job Is rated at $430 labor ($80 / hr), but by the time I get the parts, tools and get the truck off the floor, Id already be stressed out and I better finish the job.
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Don't fall for the mechanic price gouge
Amount: $282.00
Posted by: JasonRanger in Berlin, CT.Posted: October 10th, 2014 09:10PM
Car Make: 1999 FordCar Model: Ranger XLT 4x4
Shop: Private
Bought the parts online for $102, paid a friend $120 for 3 hours of labor, and I had upper full control arms and lower ball joints done. An extra $60 for the alignment, and I was all set.
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upper control arms - upper ball joints only
Amount: $612.84
Posted by: mike76 in Shrewsbury, MA.Posted: October 3rd, 2014 01:10PM
Car Make: jeepCar Model: liberty sport 2004
Shop: rands in shrewsbury
new upper control arms, labor 270, parts 342.84. parts were expensive, about double what was available on amazon. alignment was an additional 95 bucks. lower were done under recall by Jeep.
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2005 ford explorer both uppper and lower ball joints anf wheel bearing assemblies
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: mk16917 in fairplay, MD.Posted: September 28th, 2014 07:09PM
Car Make: fordCar Model: explorer
Shop: self
took about 4hrs per side and bought a press tool for 58.00, parts ordered on ebay
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External Resources:
  1.  www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/07_AutoRepair/Your_Cars_Ball_Joints.html
  2.  www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/maintenance/1888732
  3.  www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Car_Care/DIY/Ball_Joints.aspx
  4.  www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/
  5.  www.midas.com/
  6.  storelocator.pepboys.com/pepboys/
  7.  www.sears.com/automotive/v-1020005
  8.  www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
  9.  autorepair.iatn.net/
  10.  www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-to-find-a-great-car-mechanic/index.htm
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