Replacing Upper Ball Joints

cogitocogito Wagonist
in Suspension, Braking & Wheels
My left upper ball joint seems to have gone south on me, so I need to replace it. I looked on Rock Auto and there are a bunch of parts from different manufacturers, ranging in price from around $12 to $90. I've never worked on these things before and am clueless about which ones are good, etc. Here's the Rcok Auto link:

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

Can anyone give me some advice on how to proceed?

Comments

  • ragenasianragenasian Moderator
    For 35 rockauto has a complete upper control arm with new bushings and ball joint. I would go that route if it were me.
  • cogitocogito Wagonist
    OK, which part is that? The only one I see for 35 is a Raybestos lower joint. Are you looking at the page I posted?
  • ragenasianragenasian Moderator
    It is from Dorman, and not under the ball joints, it is under the control arm section and the part number is 520611.
  • cogitocogito Wagonist
    OK, I see it. Does that part contain both ball joints or only the upper one? There is no description on the webpage.
  • ragenasianragenasian Moderator
    The top only has one ball joint, you aren't go to get both. I only say get the whole thing because of the price. Gives you a little piece of mind knowing that your bushings are new as well. Throw a new ball joint in, then a couple of weeks down the road end up replacing bushings too. Again just me as there will be differing view points on how things should be done.
  • cogitocogito Wagonist
    Thanks for your help!
  • cogitocogito Wagonist
    I got the part and put it on today. No problems, except having to return the first one because the parts guy gave me a right instead of a left arm. Thanks for the help.
  • ragenasianragenasian Moderator
    Glad it all worked out!
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