So I went to get my tire alignment done today, guys at the shop told me that my ball joints on the front wheels are bad so they can't do the alignment. Does anyone know if I can just replace the ball joints, or do I have to buy the whole arm assembly for both sides? Where can I find these parts besides from the dealer?

 

Just from my limited experience and looking at the front end, the lowers can be bought without the arm. The uppers do include the arm and look very easy to replace. Check eBay just to get an idea of cost. Search: http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_...506.m270.l1312 There are many on there.

James

 

so if its the lower ball joint then i can just replace that lower ball joint? from what i understand its only the two lower joints that need replacing. would these be okay replacements? Lemfoerder Front, Lower Ball Joint

 

Yes those would do it. I am not sure what a "good" name brand is for aftermarket german car parts. Maybe someone else could chime in here. Lemfoerder might be OEM which is good.

James

PS How many miles on your car? curious.

 

My car has just over 81,000. how hard would it be to replace the ball joints? im not very good with vehicles. i can change oil, brake pads, the basics. do i need any special tools?

 

might need a ball joint knocker may be able to rent from a parts store

 

Are there any how to's that show how to remove the ball joint? Can't find any

 

There are several ways to get the ball joint apart. If I were doing it on my car, I would purchase this tool; Miller 9168 Ball Joint Remover for Chrysler Crossfire | eBay
It is made just for the job to make it the easiest. Step by step instructions can be found in the repair manual on this forum, page 2-29.

 

You can download a service manual here that tells you all need. You will also need a spring compressor.https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ollection.html

 

I took my car in for an alignment after i got new wheels/tires and i was told the same thing. He gave me an estimate for parts/labor/new alignment of $330. I asked him if i was in any real danger of my wheel falling off or anything and he said no, it was just loose enough that they couldn't do a proper alignment. My car drives pretty straight so i will save this project for another day. Probably after I redo my suspension.

 

If you have a bad ball joint you should get it fixed. Trust me when I say you wouldn't want be driving along at 50mph and have a ball joint let go.

 

Ooops, wrong quote used, should be james 1549 quote/post, sorry!


This tool is advertised as an upper ball joing removal tool, does it also service the lower ball joint?

 

Yes, it's also used for the lower ball joint.

 

That's what i asked him, and worse yet i've started Autocross racing in my XF (though the season is over). After he quoted me the price i asked him if my car was running the risk of my wheel falling off and he said "No", so i decided to put it off. Actually I had my car in the shop as my wife was going into labor 2 months ago, so it wasn't a high priority at that time anyways.