I was told by a alignment shop that my driver's side upper ball joint has " some play", and that I need a new control arm assembly. It's only $70, so Im not to concerned, just wondering what symptoms of this are, and if it's something I need to do ASAP. I only ask because I dont want to blow away money ( I need to pick my repairs wisely) .

Thanks again

 

Well, is your knuckle falling off and swerving your car into traffic on the freeway important?

 

$70 is too much. You can get one cheaper either from rockauto or your nearest parts store and install it yourself. Just pick up a Pittman tie-rod puller to use to pop the ball joint loose from the knuckle. It's really easy to replace it yourself.

 

x2

as for blowing away money the wear from not keeping the suspension in good shape and having the alignement right will wear the tires. last i checked even a cheap set of tires is not all that cheap.

 

Upper ball joint/control arm is so much cheaper to replace than a tire. Considering a cheap tire will only last a season or two, less with a worn upper BJ. A new upper ball joint/control arm, if it's not complete cheap crap, should last another 200k miles and save your tires.

Note: Makes sure to get an alignment after the upper control arm has been replaced. Even if a shop installs it, have them do an alignment.

 

IT WAYY easier to replace the whole arm with a balljoint already in it, the control arms will bend very easily when removing or trying to install the new one. the it's a pita to get the ring on that hold it into place.

Spend the extra couple bucks and buy the complete assembly

 

No one even mentioned replacing jsut the ball joint..... The OP has already stated that spending the $70 for the UCA was not an issue. hehe!