How to Replace Front Ball Joints

[bigflatdaddy]

Anybody have a good procedure for replacing the front ball joints on an 03 CTD? I have one joint that is getting a bit loose on the driver side at 50K miles. I checked into it - and they want 5+ hours to repair - I can probably fix it myself but wondered what I am getting in to. Said hours are due to having to remove driveshaft.



Also - please tell me that someone makes replacement joints? I don't want another garbage replacement part if I don't have to.



Thanks! Paul

 

[jwilliams3]

Paul,

You can get replacement OEM joints for around 200 for all 4 from http://www.quad4x4.com/Dodge Front Axle Parts 2003-up.htm



There will be other members chime in with MOOG part numbers that have recently been released.





Quad4x4 also has some tools that are needed for changing the joints out.

 

[JayWm]

Make sure that you save all your receipts. Somehow I think Dodge is gonna have to issue a recall like they did with the Durango/Dakota's. If this happens and you have proof of replacement you can get reimbursed.



I'd go Moog, its the only aftermarket brand that my shop has found to make consistently good replacement front end parts.

 

[DPKetchum]

Any one care to look up the published lasbor time guide on this repair?

 

[RLighthall]

Any one care to look up the published lasbor time guide on this repair?

That'd be interesting to know. It took my dealer 3 days!!! It surely can't take any longer than the older trucks that had the adjustable sleeve on the upper joint.

BTW, had 47K on them, been loose and getting worse since 22K, and the district rep agreed to do it under warranty

 

[bigflatdaddy]

They'll never do mine under warranty. Put a Kore suspension on it a few months back. The dealership does nothing but hassle me over the warranty, and my truck is hardly ever used as a truck!

 

[SWithrow]

I had all four (Mechanic said they were bad?) replaced and Diamler Chrysler picked up the tab minus a $200 deductable. I had 49995 on my 03. (I wonder if Diamler Chysler looks at this site???)

 

[MKinner]

Acording to Alldata, the standard labor times are as follows:



Lower Ball Joints: Warranty: 1. 6 hrs, Standard: 2. 5 hrs

Upper Ball Joints: Warranty: 1. 5 hrs, Standard: 2. 3 hrs

Which of course, does not include alignment.

 

[DPKetchum]

Where do these places come up with their labor times. Outa their axxx. Just because THEY don't know how does NOT mean the customer pays for the learning experience! D. C. and NO manufacturer does! WHY do thay think Joe Blow should. What a bunch of PUTZES! Alldate is usually HIGH compared to Chiltens. Chiltens and Motors is basically warranty flat rate times 1. 3. So 1. 6 warranty flat rate is 2. 1 and 1. 5 is 2. 0. PLUS realign which is a given. Oo.

 

[Blakers]

What's the best tool to use to press the joints out? I think I may do mine myself as I'll have to replace the second axle u-joint too. I'm sure the hardest part is getting the rotor and wheel bearing assembly off. The ball joints are probably easy after that.



Blake

 

[Boonieman]

Here's a link to a previously discussed "how to" on this same topic.





https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140957

 

[Iguide]

Ball joint replacement

Where do these places come up with their labor times. Outa their axxx. Just because THEY don't know how does NOT mean the customer pays for the learning experience! D. C. and NO manufacturer does! WHY do thay think Joe Blow should. What a bunch of PUTZES! Alldate is usually HIGH compared to Chiltens. Chiltens and Motors is basically warranty flat rate times 1. 3. So 1. 6 warranty flat rate is 2. 1 and 1. 5 is 2. 0. PLUS realign which is a given. Oo.

Question: Are those times per side top & bottom or for both sides top& bottom?

I got that bug to at 48,300, & a thousnd buck to have it done seems like a damn lot to me.



Thanks

 

[Nate]

Spicer ball joints (factory) are $60 a side.

 

[Blakers]

Spicer ball joints (factory) are $60 a side.

Where at?



I just had all my ball joints replaced with factory ones - sorry, all I could get in a hurry - and the passenger side axle u-joint. Total cost = $519. 06.



I supplied the u-joint and the shop supplied the ball joints. I didn't think that was a bad deal.

 

[Nate]

6 States Distributors. They are all over the west coast. I did my myself. Cost me $120.

 

[jwilliams3]

Do they have a website?