Hi,

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer Sport. The dealership told me that I need to replace my lower ball joints and I was quoted a price of $600-650. Eek:

I live in Irving Texas and I am looking for an honest mechanic in my area. Does any body have any recommendations or suggestions?

Thanks,
Adele

This is a labor intensive job. Depending on how may miles are on the vehicle, you may decide to do the whole front end while it is apart. This might include tie rod ends, idler arm, and even upper ball joints etc. if you intend to keep the vehicle for a while this could be worthwile. Doing it yourself would require the appropriate tools, knowledge, and band-aids. As for mechanics, and the prices that they might charge, hope for a post from txgreasemonkey.

I have to agree with above. Hey, I have a curious question. Back in the 70's, I bought a car in Irving. It was from Frank Parr Chevrolet. Are they still in business?
Heck, back then, Irving was just starting to grow. Bet it's different now.

Ive seen people compress the ball joint into cars with a large C clamp and acouple of sockets, worked out very nicely, but that was with a 92 Dodge Spirit, wouldn't hurt to try it also on your car, it might work as well :)

Bullcrap,, you find a cheaper mechanic its only ball joints. But good idea to change other things in frontend if needed while they have it apart. Just a thought

A quick inspection of the front end will tell you if anything is wrong with it, but if its just a simple ball join then buying unnecessary stuff for the front isn't necessary... ball joints are compressed in so if your cheap mechanic doesn't have anything to compress it in then the cheap mechanic is out, a real cheap Do It Yourself idea would be to go with the large C clamp and acouple of deep bowl sockets... Or you might if you want, take off the control arm with the bad ball joint and take it somewhere that has a press to press it in for you.