Hey. New here.

So I got an alignment 2 months ago and changed my front brakes last week.

When the car was jacked up, I noticed both ball joint boots were 1/2 torn. I stuck my finger in both and could feel the ball...bone dry.

What should I expect from this? How soon should they be changed? What is a good mid-range ($) brand? Is this a dangerous situation?

Thanks

 

They won't last long in that condition. Probably should get them changed, not too difficult. Just annoying because you have to pull the knuckle.

 

Balljoint failure, albeit they are pretty sloppy, so your alignment is probably not correct when the suspension is active.
Last week
Unless the bushings are new, it would easier/cheaper to purchase new upper control arms.
Dorman, Moog and Raybestos all sell FUCAs for $30-40 each from Rock Auto. BJs alone would be more than half that, and you would still need to press them out/in.

If they are no longer lubricated then it is metal on metal wearing each other away...
So what do you think could happen if the spherical bearing became undone when you were cruising at 65MPH on the freeway, or having some fun in the corners on the back mountain road?

 

For the upper BJ?
You can leave the knuckle in place, just pop the UBJ and unbolt the FUCA from the car, should be able to remove it without disturbing the knuckle.

 

I totally read upper ball joint and it didn't even register. My bad, work all day.

Yes, in that case its quite simple and it needs to get done as soon as possible. You will most likely bend the control arm getting them out so just buy the entire assembly. Two bolts, and one castle nut is all that holds it on. I actually just replaced an entire UCA on my girlfriends 89 Hatch last week, took me about 15 minutes. Considering the existing one when I bought the car was duck taped together I would consider it a highly valuable upgrade..

 

That was one hella flush upper balljoint.

 

Can I just put new boots on them and pack them with grease? Also, the guy who did the alignment told me to drive with them and not worry about it til I heard a "squawking" sound and that they definitely don't affect their alignment job. I didn't know how to respond. This a-hole told me that severely worn factory BJ were better than new aftermarket control arms and BJs.

 

There comes a point in time when you just have to cut your losses and move on. Find a new mechanic.

 

Can you just respawn after dying in real life like in Call of Duty? No you can not replace the boot, just replace the entire upper control arm and call it a day. $75.00 later and I replaced both on my Civic.

 

Thanks guys!