YACT: Was I ripped off on a repair?

[Avalon]

Hey, I've got a '96 Taurus that was recently diagnosed with bad lower ball joints (squeaking, popping, etc while turning), so I took it in for repair. The verbal agreement was to do both lower ball joints for $509 which includes the alignment it'd need after.

My invoice states "Lower right ball joint x 2".

The left side of my car still squeaks and pops when I turn. The right side is now fine. Did they simply replace just the right side and charge me for the price of changing out two ball joints, or are there actually two lower ball joints per side?

*Edit*
Meaning just the front end of the car.

 

[Mike2002]

I'm not too positive on this, but it looks like your car only has 2 ball joints. A lower ball joint for both sides of the front of the car. That is according to this page...Ball Joints

 

[SonnyDaze]

If it's popping while turning it sounds like the ball joints are still bad........and $509 for 2 ball joints is kinda steep. I was quoted $360 for ball joint replacement (2) and alignment on my Cherokee.

 

[randay]

they didnt even change your blinker fluid?

 

[1prophet]

There is only one lower ball joint per side in the lower control arm in the taurus, you can tell by looking at them if they are new and replaced.

Worn strut mounts and bearings can also make a similar noise on turns.

 

[Sukhoi]

You don't drive an Avalon?

 

[Black88GTA]

Originally posted by: 1prophet

Worn strut mounts and bearings can also make a similar noise on turns.

So can bad CV joints / drive axles...

 

[Avalon]

Originally posted by: Sukhoi
You don't drive an Avalon?

Nope. It's just a Camry

But yeah. That's what I figured. $509 was the cheapest I could find from all the places nearby. So now, it sounds like they either didn't replace both front lower ball joints, or they incorrectly diagnosed the problem with my car. Either way, I have a huge issue with this.

 

[funboy6942]

I be willing it was mis-diagnosed and its the upper strut mounting plate which when it wears out will give you clicks and poping sound especially when turning. Your lower ball joints get that bad to do that kind of noise and poping you should of been complaining about a crap load of wheel slop and your car pulling to one side or the other not all at the same time from all the front end slop. AND your tires should of been wearing out funny on the insides and when looking at the car should of looked as though the wheels/tires were not straight up and down.

If at all possible have some one turn the wheel and try to see exactly where the noise is coming from. Its more common on the taurus to have the upper strut mounting plate go bad (it sort of a bearing in a way) and when it does it like rubber on rubber when you turn and makes a nasty racket. If you can get the noise to hapen at a stand still have some one turn the wheel and open the hood. Should be coming from where the struts bolt on the top there. If you dont hear it there listen down below. But all in all they may have noticed one bad ball joint with very slight play. It really takes alot of ball joint wear to make thoes kinds of noises your talking about and at that point you would be complaing about alot more with the wear associated with the ball joint.

QUOTE_________________________________________________________

Chassis / Suspension & Steering Making Noise Happens always Not applicable
Q: 1997 ford taurus sho, noise and vibration felt in steering from front end at low speeds. Seems to eminate from the struts. Also am looking for ideas about a strut brace, and any other parts that will enhance the suspension performance. I know I'll need a pro mechanic to do the work, but I'd like a pro opinion befor I take it in to a shop. Great site, glad I found it. Thanks for your time


A: Greg.... if the noise and vibration happen when turning, it's most likely the upper strut mounting plate(small bearing in there)...... An inexpensive brace across the top of the struts is easy to install and stiffens.... And GOOD quality tires are a huge improvement.... Ed

Taken from here

 

[iamaelephant]

Originally posted by: Avalon
The verbal agreement was to do both lower ball joints for $509 which includes the alignment it'd need after.

Ah, yes, you got ripped off.

 

[doze]

Cost of ball joint is about $55. Figure out labor.

 

[Sukhoi]

Originally posted by: Avalon

Originally posted by: Sukhoi
You don't drive an Avalon?

Nope. It's just a Camry

Yes and no. AFAIK all the surface sheetmetal is difference except possibly the roof, but I'm thinking that's different too. The Avalon has higher surface quality too. A lot of the internal metal is shared, but then again there are a couple of parts on the new Camry that were in use on the '88 Camry. No reason to change some of the stuff. Maybe add a hole here and there but the die stays the same.