Replacing the ball joint

B 4 You · #1 08-03-2012, 06:26 PM

So I got my car aligned the other day after noticing some uneven tire wear (hadn't in over a year). Before I took it in, the steering wheel was cocked slightly to the right, and the car would pull very slightly to the right when on the highway. After alignment, the steering wheel was to the left significantly, and the car pulled much more aggressively to the right. It didn't vibrate much at high speeds like before though. Took it back today because I wasn't feeling right about it, and they told me I have a bad passenger ball joint. Thanks for telling me before I paid you guys!!! Anywho, is this an easy repair? The how-to docs made it seem like cake..

Wikedjuggalo · #2 08-03-2012, 06:46 PM

Yes it is cake. Just watch for rusty bolts and take your time.

svxfiles · #3 08-03-2012, 09:02 PM

It is the easiest car in the world to change ball joints in.

B 4 You · #4 08-04-2012, 10:39 PM

Sounds like I'll be doing it myself then! There's only one ball joint per side, correct? Also, where would be the best place to find a replacement? Subaruparts has them for $75, which isn't terrible, but I'd gladly take a cheaper one.

Wikedjuggalo · #5 08-05-2012, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B 4 You

Sounds like I'll be doing it myself then! There's only one ball joint per side, correct? Also, where would be the best place to find a replacement? Subaruparts has them for $75, which isn't terrible, but I'd gladly take a cheaper one.

I don't think you can find them anywhere else and Not sure I'd trust them. Go OEM it will last and know it will fit. BTW Call Jackie at Annapolis subaru. she is Nice and prices are fare. Best part is she always charges actual shipping not the crap Subaruparts (and others) charge a percent.

svxfiles · #6 08-05-2012, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wikedjuggalo

I don't think you can find them anywhere else and Not sure I'd trust them. Go OEM it will last and know it will fit. BTW Call Jackie at Annapolis subaru. she is Nice and price were fare. Best part is she always charges actual shipping not the crap Subaruparts (and others) charge a percent.

The following is a true story!
Last week I had to order a ball joint for an SVX from my local Subaru garage.
"They did not have one in stock."
Two days later I came in for said "ball Joint".
The new kid handed me a wheel bearing!

I said, "No, thats a wheel bearing."
He says, "Thats the number the computer gave me!"
I called Jackie, in front of him, She gives me the correct number, and the new kid goes back, brings me the ball joint that was there the whole time!

Thank you Jackie!

B 4 You · #7 08-05-2012, 03:58 PM

I got my wheels bearings from Jackie before! She was very nice about it. I guess I'll be buying these from her too! Thanks guys.

Green1995SVX · #8 08-05-2012, 06:03 PM

You'll want to get OEM for a few reasons, but the best reason to get OEM is because that's the only option! There arent aftermarket ball joints for our cars.

dannmarr · #9 08-05-2012, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B 4 You

I got my wheels bearings from Jackie before! She was very nice about it. I guess I'll be buying these from her too! Thanks guys.

I'm sure she is nice but when I called, she left me on hold for 15 minutes

I hung up and placed an order with Subaruparts.com

B 4 You · #10 08-05-2012, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannmarr

I'm sure she is nice but when I called, she left me on hold for 15 minutes

I hung up and placed an order with Subaruparts.com

This is why I communicated with her via email

1986nate · #11 08-05-2012, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannmarr

I'm sure she is nice but when I called, she left me on hold for 15 minutes

I hung up and placed an order with Subaruparts.com

I've made quite a few orders with Jackie. Extremely fast shipping times and prices even with shipping included often times has beat just subaruparts.com's part pricing without shipping even factored. I'll still consider subaruparts.com if there is a coupon code and I need a bunch of parts, but otherwise, Jackie it is.

B 4 You · #12 08-06-2012, 01:17 PM

There aren't any subaruparts.com coupons floating around right now, are there?

Green1995SVX · #13 08-06-2012, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B 4 You

There aren't any subaruparts.com coupons floating around right now, are there?

You may want to just ask your local dealer if they will match subaruparts.com's pricing. One of the dealers in my area will (A. Crivelli Subaru in Franklin, PA). So, it ends up being a lot cheaper since there isn't a shipping charge.