radef
Veteran Member
Hi All,
I've been told for a while by the tire shops that it's time to replace the ball joints on my 98 Jetta. Every place is giving me quotes on the order of $350-400. The break down of the quotes typically has ball joints listed for $120 each and about $110 in labor. Well, I poked around on the forum here and called the local parts store, and I can get the ball joints for $13.99 each (complete kits with the bearing, bolts, retaining plate, etc). Talking with the local Firestone about the huge price difference, they stated that perhaps their computer was pricing out the entire control arm and only calling it a ball joint - or that replacing a ball joint requires replacement of the control arm according to their computer.
Anyone have any thoughts on this? Why the huge price difference...
I wouldn't mind attemping the repair myself. I have the lifetime alignment from Firestone, so I can avoid the cost of an alignment if I do the work at home.
Do I need to replace more than the ball joints? Does that whole control arm need replaced?
Thanks!
I've been told for a while by the tire shops that it's time to replace the ball joints on my 98 Jetta. Every place is giving me quotes on the order of $350-400. The break down of the quotes typically has ball joints listed for $120 each and about $110 in labor. Well, I poked around on the forum here and called the local parts store, and I can get the ball joints for $13.99 each (complete kits with the bearing, bolts, retaining plate, etc). Talking with the local Firestone about the huge price difference, they stated that perhaps their computer was pricing out the entire control arm and only calling it a ball joint - or that replacing a ball joint requires replacement of the control arm according to their computer.
Anyone have any thoughts on this? Why the huge price difference...
I wouldn't mind attemping the repair myself. I have the lifetime alignment from Firestone, so I can avoid the cost of an alignment if I do the work at home.
Do I need to replace more than the ball joints? Does that whole control arm need replaced?
Thanks!
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