1998 Ford Explorer Right Front Upper Ball Joint

PHILIP PITTSFORD

MEMBER
1998 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
131,500 MILES

I recently had the Upper Ball Joint replaced so my chld could take the vehicle to school. They did a full check of the vehicle and told me what was wrong and which items were most serious. Two days later the same side started making a grinding and rattling noise. Took vehicle back to garage and they are now telling me the the whole joint needs to be replaced. They are saying that they did not notice this when working on the Upper Joint. Also suggesting the axlw may also need to be replaced.

I took is a drivable vehicle and now have one I do not believe is drivable. Is this not something that should have been seen during the initial inspection?

2 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

I think I would be suspicious too. I would suggest getting a second opinion on what happened to it.

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Sunday, August 22nd, 2010 AT 4:24 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Hello and thanks for donating

So prior to having the ball joint replaced, there were no other signs or symptoms of any kind? After having the ball joint replaced, new noises have risen and more concerns? This definitely seems to be the work of a smaller type shop that try to get every penny they can from you. Did you notice any ASE Certified signs hanging up in this shop or ever heard of this shop for being a good quality shop? As Wrenchtech stated, I would definitely take this vehicle to a different shop, one with better reputation, to get a second opinion on this matter.