Has anyone replaced ball joints or had them replaced? How many miles?

 

I don't think the ball joints are susceptible to the kind of wear double A frame suspensions were. At 215,000 I replaced the entire control arms, the most cost effective way $90 each and about 35 minutes labor... vs. new ball joints $25 each, but you have to do all of the same labor PLUS drilling out the rivets, $13 each for the bushings PLUS pressing in/out. Basically, if you have already done the bushings don't agonize too much about the ball joints. Have your favorite front end guy check them, or jack the front end up on stands (unload the joint) hand top & bottom push in/out alternatively looking for excessive play. (did that make any sense?)

 

Why do you think you need them? This a a very rare repair.

 

You'll know that the joints are dry of grease & metal ball to metal socket when you hear squeaks as the car goes over big bumps. If you hear a noise like that have someone push down repeatedly (pref by the top frame rail when the hood is open-NOT BY THE FENDERS) with car on flat ground, while you are on the floor touching the ball joint area, be careful of any pinch points. If the squeal vibrates there, get a needle tip for your grease gun and give it some grease through the boot. Noise should go away. Replace the whole arm-like said above.

Another test is with the wheel in the air see if the wheel moves in and out when you push pull on the bottom while someone looks to see if there is abnormal back and forth of the joint with an accompanying thud.

The old testing way involved a tire iron and could damage the hubs. Just though I would mention it for the old timers.....