Hello All,
Indy shop rotated and spin balanced my tires and he mentioned that my driver side front ball joint has a lot of play in it. It is my understanding that you can't just replace the ball joint and you have to replace the whole control arm. My question is with a car with over 190000 miles should I get a new control arm or a salvage one from junkyard? Also should I replaced both passenger and driver side the same time?
Bonus question is this a DIY type of job or a mechanic doer?
Thank you Maxima.org for your continuous help and advice.


Blake

 

I always do suspension parts in pairs but don't sweat it if you only do one now. It can be done with basic tools since its not pressed in like some. New will cost you $150+. Used can be as cheap as $35 which is a pretty small gamble.

 

in my opinion you can change ball joints only and just need to check your driver side excel. ball joints are easily available and changeable and they are not so expensive

 

Ahh.....no you cannot replace just the ball joint. That is completely wrong. It is neither bolted nor screwed into the arm. You have to replace the entire lower control arm and that is just as well because the inboard bushings are likely knackered as well.