Went to get an oil change and was told that the ball joints (both lower-front) need to be replaced on my 2008 hhr ls which has about 43,000 miles. Just wanted to see if anyone else has had to replace ball joints. They showed me that the rubber covering was frayed and causing movement where shouldn't be. They gave me an estimate of $880.00 which would also include alignment. I'd appreciate any advise.

 

2 complete LCAs with ball joints and bushings will cost about $150, takes a couple of bolts, a half inch breaker bar and a torque wrench.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...s-44378/page8/

 

If you are marginally mechanically inclined , have some simple tools, a jack, a jack stand, some sockets , you can do the job.
For a lot less then $880.00!
Lower Control Arms come with new ball joint and rear bushings!
There are 4 bolts to remove! Slip out the old and slide in the new , put back the bolts and tighten then torque them!


Like these!!

2008 Chevy HHR Front Lower Control Arm with Ball Joint Pair (excluding SS Models) at 1A Auto.com


And here is a video

 

The original ball joints are riveted to the lower control arms, so to replace them one has to grind/drill the old rivets out, and bolt on new ball joints, OR some will just replace whole lower control arm (which includes new bushings and a new ball joint).

Which procedure did they include in the estimate?

Considering each lower control arm (including the ball joint etc.) can be acquired for ~$125 per side, and each takes less an hour labour, the estimate seems way high to me.

 

That link I posted has both LCA's for under $170.00

 

I believe it is the whole lower control arms. I will consider getting a 2nd estimate before having work done. Unfortunately, I am not very handy or technically inspired. thanks for feedback. It seems like oil changes are often an introduction to a much larger bill. I usually take their recommendations and talk to my father or friend who is a mechanic. Unfortunately neither very close. thanks again.

 

Ya, Cleveland is a bit of a hike for me, about 5 or 6 hours , or I'd come over there and fix it for you!!

 

well thanks for your note.