I posted this another forum, but I should have asked here first.

Recently our '02 Accord was taken to the dealer for an oil change. The SA comes back and states that the front suspension ball joints are worn/loose and wanted $525 to replace, including wheel alignment. The car only has 58k miles on it. Now that the stealer has me a bit paranoid, I am going to get a second opinion this weekend, but is this normal, or is it likely he is trying to take my wallet for a ride? The car had it's oil changed 2000 miles ago, and he didn't say anything back then. Also, there are no noises, steering does not feel any different and the alignment is fine. Any thoughts?

 

More than likely the rubber boot is just cracked up a little bit. The way to test your ball joints is jack the car up and with your hands at the 12 and 6 position push and pull. If there's a decent amount of play it's a bad ball joint.

They're most likely ok, I'd take them to another independent shop, I would NOT have it done at the dealership.

 

Sounds a little early to be worn at 58k; but, things sometimes happen...

Honda did have a recall for ball joints for the 97-98 Accords before; but, I didn't find anything for your year Accord.

Either way, I would get a second opinion like you said.

 

yeah they are weak pos joints. I had to replace 3 sets on my cl-s (they use the same part) and it was less than $290 including oil change. unless your allignment was ****ed up, you will not need it done. Each time they did them on my car they did not have to allign it. 4 wheel allignment is $80 at the acura dealer so yeah you're getting raped.

I knew my joints were bad cause the car required a lot of corrections and you could hear the looseness in the suspension.

 

Totally unheard of, unless they were damaged by something puncturing the boot. I'd get a second opinion, and find another service provider; please!

Heck, unless it's warranty work (or I've no other choice) I'd suggest (at a minimum) questioning the price or find another repair shop.

P

 

Are we talking about the upper or lower joints? Both of the upper ball joint in my 94 were bad (160k) and doing it for the first time ever bought a new upper control arm $70 and installed it in like 10 minutes. It's VERY easy. So if you do end up needing joints, then I'd just take a crack at it yourself and not have to pay for any labor, just for parts. If when ever you go over a bump and your car sounds like it's falling apart then you know you may need them.

 

Definitely do those yourself. 20 bux a piece at AutoZone. Took me about 2 hours to do both of mine.

 

I wrote the SA back yesterday afternnon and asked him the same thing. So far he has not replied back yet.

This was what was worn on the service receipt, "Advised customer front suspension worn/loose $425, $100 for alignment"

I'll keep you guys posted, after I get the second opinion this weekend.

 

Gentlemen, I just took the car to a local, recommended mechanic. Just as you said P_Adams, there was nothing wrong with the car. The mechanic did the wiggle test on all four wheels and also inspected the boots. They were fine as well. Thanks for all the recommendations. Also, I will not be going back to that shady stealership for any maintenance. It's nice to know there are still some honest people out there. Have a great weekend!

 

Wiggle clock test FTW!

Glad you had a good experience at the other shop

 

I would say get a written statement from the 2nd place then report the stealership you were there first to make sure no one else get rape that easily.