Leaking ball joints in 2003 Expedition 4x4 EB

[sgunes]

I just got the "Works" done at the dealership at 110k miles and they told me that the "ball joints are leaking" and that the repair would cost $2500, which is more than the SUV is worth.
Any idea how much it would cost me and is this something a regular guy can do?
My level of expertise is low but I was able to change the front air suspension to coil-over-springs on my own. The rear was done at the local shop as the bolts were rusted pretty good.
If the ball joints go down, what's the worst that can happen?
This is our 3rd vehicle and we usually use it only for carrying 25 bags of 40 lbs potting soil, top soil, caught animal transport (raccoons, armadillos, possums...) and for leaving it at the airport during travel.
It has been so far extremely reliable.
Can I continue to keep it as a low-mileage vehicle (meaning using it for less than 1000 miles a year) or should I just sell it as soon as possible?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[sjwelds]

Ball joints for $2500 eh?

My guy quoted me $3-400 for the front ball joints on my 06 F150. Can't imagine your rig would be a whole lot different...

Sounds like you need to find a different mechanic

 

[1955moose]

Even shooting on the high side, this repair should not be over $500.00. $2500.00! That dealer needs to be reported to consumer affairs! That's just flat out dirty, parts are only $100.00, figure 3 hours labor on the high side. Even here in San Francisco, where labor at dealers is $175.00 per hour that's $675.00. $2500.00 is 14 hours labor, you can rebuild the complete front and back suspension, and have money left over to rebuild the engine. Like the other member said, run from that dealership.

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[sgunes]

Thanks everybody.
They had $1200 for parts and $1300 for labor. With tax and shops fees it would have been probably $2700 out the door.
How difficult is it to do it yourself?
What is the recommended place to get Ford parts online?

 

[Plati]

RockAuto for parts, but this is a good job for a shop to do, not home?
Maybe it was a typo? $120 for parts $130 for labor?
I'm a big fan of a second opinion, for diagnosis & repair.

https://repairpal.com/estimator/ford/expedition/lower-ball-joint-replacement-cost

 

[Bedrck47]

Search on you tube for this video

2004-2014 Ford F-150 Lower Ball Joint Replacement

FordTechMakuloco

It will give you a good idea as to how to do the ball joints

Check on Rock Auto for parts and prices.

You would be best to replace lower ball joints and upper control arms which includes the upper ball joints

 

[sgunes]

@Polarizer It was definitely not a typo but over $2500 for the ball joints (I guess upper (with control arm) and lower).

Thanks for the rockauto tip.
I looked at http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2003,expedition,5.4l+v8,1411119,suspension,control+arm,10401

Do I need then
2 of these front lower ball joints: ACDelco 45D2314 (OEM part number 19144071) http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=950599&cc=1411119 $33.79 each and then
1 ACDelco 45D1091 (OEM part number 19238151) Professional complete arm with ball joint front left upper, w/auto adjusting suspension http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1393665&cc=1411119 $183.79 and
1 ACDelco 45D1090 (OEM part number 19238150) Professional complete arm with ball joint right left upper, w/auto adjusting suspension http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1393783&cc=1411119&jsn=528 $183.79?

So the total for parts is: $435.16 +S&H and possible sales tax. That is still over $600 cheaper for parts than what they wanted to charge me for.
I could order the parts, see if I can do it myself and if not take it to my local (non-Ford mechanics) and have them install it in 4-5 hours.
Worst-case scenario would put me at around total of $1000 versus over $2500.

 

[sgunes]

Checking "Suspension control arm replacement" gives estimates from $297 to $1874 on repairpal.com! That's s a huge spread.
The "Lower ball joint replacement" is estimated at $308 to $460.
Are those estimates for just one side or is it usually done bilaterally and the prices are for both sides?
If the estimates are for both sides than their worst estimate would be $1894 + $460 = $2354 which is close to what the dealership wanted.

 

[1955moose]

Doing the repair yourself depends on your mechanical aptitude. The fact that you brought your vehicle to the dealer, and didn't have a inkling of how long labor times are, now no offense but, you might consider having a honest shop changing them out. I do agree with the others, while the front ends apart change the upper control arm assembly. If bottoms are worn, more than likely top ball joints are as well. The bottoms can be pressed in and out, and replaced with a grease able replacement part. Again it depends on your free time, your skill level, and the tools you possess.

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[Bedrck47]

You will need 2 lower ball joints 1for each side also upper control arm for each side.
I personally like MOOG parts

I did both sides of my 04 2 years ago Took me about 12 hours did one side one day and the other side the next day. I know many will say it can be done in less time I am retired and 70 YO and not in any hurry.

When replacing upper control you will need to remove the struts in order to get to the mounting bolts for the control arms Again do a search on You Tube

 

[Bedrck47]

You cat borrow most tools you need to do the job from a parts store Advance Auto, Auto Zone.

You also need a good torque wrench when doing the re assembly

I would also suggest that you get a copy of the Ford Service Manual on DVD for about $15.00 on e-bay I'll send you a link

Depending on you skill level it can be at the worst a difficult job or a PITA job

 

[sgunes]

@1955moose Thanks for the tip.
I may follow @Bedrck47 foot steps and take my time to do it. Worst case scenario I can have the local shop do it.
Anyway, just asking the questions here seems to have saved me over $1500.
Thanks everybody for your kind help.

 

[Bedrck47]

eBay item number:
272429457173

$14.99

Seller
morpheousking

 

[Bedrck47]

With that savings You BUY the next round of drinks And I'm not talking LONE STAR

Keep us posted

 

[Bedrck47]

Once the job is done you will need to have a front end alignment done

 

[1955moose]

Who's Yook me! Sounds like a guy I knew in Chinatown!

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[sgunes]

eBay item number:
272429457173

Just ordered it.
Thanks.

 

[Plati]

Once the job is done you will need to have a front end alignment done

Actually ... that's who I trust to advise me on my "ball joint situation" ... my brake and alignment specialist https://www.marksalignmentandbrake.com/ in Webster NY
Small one man shop ...very honest, does very good work

I probably wouldn't trust a dealer shop (as much) as they seem to find even the most miniscule thing that's wrong and advise repairing it.

That's a generality I know but ...

 

[rjdelp7]

Lower cost me $340 at a local shop. I could of did them myself for $100. The rubber boots are filled with grease. The ball joint may still be good, but need lubrication. The originals do not have grease fittings. They make a grease needle, to add grease to this style. It will buy you time. When bad, they may or may not clunk and wear inner or outer of front tires. When shot, they can break and front wheel, will partially detach and leave you stranded. Alignments afterward, are recommended, but only adjustments are for toe. Technically, the ball joint, does not effect toe, tie rods do.

 

[1955moose]

As far as alignments, you can also do camber adjustments with the installation of a bolt in kit available through Moog, and other sources. On my 2000 Eddie Bauer, it uses torsion bar suspension up front instead of coil spring's. So caster is adjustable. Caster rarely needs adjustment, unless in an accident, or messed with. Camber too, usually unless smacked hard is within specs. Mine was far enough out that required the upper control arm kits.

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