SEC1939

Took my 05 CDI in to dealer for end of warranty (100k) once over and specifically asked that they check the suspension. All check out just fine they said.

A week or two later I took it in to an independent shop for an oil change. They told me the lower ball joints are worn. Shop mechanics are all ASE certified, it's a good shop.

Called my dealer and the will re-examine next week.

Does anyone have any thoughts or comments on this?

Thanks

WRC7732

Not surprising. They're pretty notorious for wearing out. As for the Stealer not telling you, disappointing but not at all surprising......

MercFiveHundred

Don't be surprised either of any mechanic telling you something is bad when it isn't.

SEC1939

agree with both points. eitherway hopeing to get new ball joints. Dealer has nothing to loose really in fact they make money on such a deal.

Key to me on this stuff is if they really do the work not just collect the $$ hours and spare parts for the shelf. I think I'll put a mark on the old ones today

vettdvr

Welcome to my world. My ball joints failed about 70,000 miles. They were squeeking so loud you could hear the car before it arrived.

SEC1939

No noticable noise or vibration or clunking. did the warranty cover ? what was the $$ either way ?

vettdvr

My extended warranty covered premature failure.

At 100000 they might call it "normal" wear. Expect around $650+ at the dealer. Also verify they did alignment. They only changed joints on mine but no alignment and the !@#$# car would not drive straight.

WRC7732

I'm not sure how they are determining that they are bad with no noticible noises coming fom the front of the car.

When mine was bad there was a very noticeable clunk in certain circumstances and it got bad enough that I couldn't stand it. The only way I would think you could tell would be if the wheel assembly could be shaken by hand (I would think you'd have a clunk aby this point) or the rubber boot was damaged (I haven't seen this on a ball joint).

As far as the $'s go, I bought mine on e-bay for $69 each. Much better thatn the $200+ each that they want at the dealer just for the parts. As for the labor, if you are reasonably handy with car work you could do it yourself. I did mine in about an hour on a lift.

vettdvr

Did you install them yourself?

Taylor-Made'90

Bought my ***** on eBay and had my Benz mechanic press 'em in at the Stealer.....

WRC7732

Yes. Installed myself. Though I must say I'm a little more handy than the average DIY'er. I have my own lift and a decent set of tools. Including those stupid 12 point serated edge bits that MB and VW love to use.

Not sure I'd recommened that just anyone try this, especially if all you have is your jack out of the trunk of the car. Just wanted to say how long it took to give an idea of how many labor hours they should be looking at when having this job done.

isstay

Also, check the rubber boots of ball joints of torque strut for cracks, if any they should replace the whole strut. They just did this to my car last week. No need of alignment to be performed except if they do any work on the tire road ends.