Lexizm

iTrader: (2)

You can also try Luis at Carson Toyota/L-Tune. That's where I got mine for a good price.

Chenzo26

I just replaced my lower ball joints this weekend along with my outer tie rods. What a difference in steering! Both ball joints had way to much play and one of my tie rods had a ripped boot. The ball joints a extremely easy to replace and the tie rods were a little tougher because of my lack of leverage to yank them off. I will be posting a DIY either late this week or early next week. I have to get my car back from my mechanic after he fixes his botched timing belt replacement. You MUST get an alignment after you do these two - unless you want to tear up your front tires.

Lexamatic

Sewell rocks. Peter had ball joints and tie rods in stock & over nighted the parts.

Chenzo26

You definitely need the tie rod end remover tool to replace both of these. Under no circumstances do you want to start banging on the top of these bolts to try to separate them. You will disfigure the old part, which wouldnt really matter, but then you wont be able to slide it out of the whole. The tool only costs 10 bucks and I think you can even rent it if you dont want to buy it.

Lexamatic

Just got the car back from the shop. Ball joints and tie rods replaced. Man what an improvement. Need to ease up on the rack preload a bit now. Steering effort is higher.

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

what does this tool look like or what is it called??
is this it??

from this thread

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Yes that's what it is. i have it. Beats using a hammer for the job. Got mine for $12 or so at autozone

MJK

Anybody heard of this being an issue on 02s?

I don't really feel anything amiss, but I drive A LOT - about 40k a year. This is usually at about 80mph on the freeway, so I would rather be safe than sorry if this is a known issue. I am at about 70k now, stock everything.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

01+ balljoints are suppose to be better, but who knows.

It's $130 a pair. Installation is easy if you have the right tools.

I changed mine for the peace of mind.

MJK

Did you notice any difference? Thanks for the response. I'll probably look into when I get some spare time.

Thanks,
Mark

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

a HUGE difference. its night and day. i noticed the difference when I pulled out of my friends garage for a test drive after fixing it.

qlex56

i got a quote for lowerball joints and alignment for $389. parts and labor, was wondering if that was a decent price? im not really a diy guy
thanks

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Usually alignment is $100 from the dealer. Balljoints are about $130 a pair.

I was able to do my balljoints in about 1 hour.

Lexbox

Just ordered mine from Sewell. $130 for peace of mind isnt bad. Plus maybe they will make some current problems disappear.

jonathancl

There are better pullers out there. My father has one with adjustable side arms held at controller distance by bolts with wingnuts.