Is there a real fix for the balljoints?

[Aceman]

I know all about 2g's and their balljoint issues, but, I mean, I'm tired of replacing them myself, I'm trying to motivate myself to convince a dealer to do it...is there a real fix possible? Like, a REVISED design with less metal on rubber contact area and/or more capable boots? I just can't fathom how many 2g's have been abandoned due to this. It seems to be as simple as the rubber boots rubbing against the metal and breaking down therefore letting in corroding substances and letting the grease out. Am I missing something? Are all 2g owners fated to constantly worrying about and replacing balljoints and getting countless alignments? Its really not a big job once you get the parts, but everything else about it is a pain and a bit illogical. I also find it to be ALL 4 front lower balljoints. Its like I'm rolling the dice on each control arm I replace no matter how good the manufacturer or installer and I would love to know if anyone has actually come across a real solution. Please share.

 

[97gst_spyder]

No true fix. I got new oem ones and got some Energy Suspension boots for them. Seem to be doing well.

 

[Aceman]

Thanks for sharing that. I'm gonna try to figure out a real fix eventually, but I don't have money growing on trees! I really haven't been able to spend much time or money on the performance aspect in the 2.5 years I've had her. Oh well, its a labor of love I guess .

 

[Awdspyderman]

97GST- SPYDER---- do you have a part number for those E.S boots? Im kind of curious on trying that idea also. I really hate buying control arms. I bought brand new lower's from an online shop AND MY CAR HAS NOT MOVED IN 8 MONTHS ### THE MOTOR IS GETTING WORKED ON AND THEY ARE CRACKING!!!! WTF IM SICK OF THIS....

 

[PieEyedPiper]

OEM LCA's are like $40. I haven't had any problems with just replacing them when they go bad. Which has been once in 150k.

Everything has a MTBF and balljoints are considered vehicle maintenance.

97GST- SPYDER---- do you have a part number for those E.S boots? Im kind of curious on trying that idea also. I really hate buying control arms. I bought brand new lower's from an online shop AND MY CAR HAS NOT MOVED IN 8 MONTHS ### THE MOTOR IS GETTING WORKED ON AND THEY ARE CRACKING!!!! WTF IM SICK OF THIS....

You purchased no name brand, or as close to, parts. What did you expect?
I don't believe for a second that those are OEM or Moog parts.

 

[turboglenn]

Where are you getting them for 40 bucks? I spent more like 120-130 on them last time and then i went to parts store ifetime warranty after those went bad, at leastthe parts store ones may last a year less but they gimme free ones when i take them back in with bad ball joints

 

[Awdspyderman]

I never said they were ?? I bought them from an online ebay store if you must know!! Hence why i asked for a part number from energy suspension??

 

[PieEyedPiper]

I actually got mine from jnz for $33 each a few years ago. They're more expensive now but not $120, that's for sure.
Don't forget this is the lower control arm and not the compression arm. Those rarely go bad but they certainly are expensive.

 

[joat09]

Rockauto. com has them starting at $21 and up to $60. As far as I know they are OEM spec. I'm not sure how long the bushings would last.

RockAuto Parts Catalog

 

[nickk90]

The also sell a knuckle kit that has both arms and the knuckle for $108 a side from extremepsi

 

[jcart953]

Where are you getting them for 40 bucks? I spent more like 120-130 on them last time and then i went to parts store ifetime warranty after those went bad, at leastthe parts store ones may last a year less but they gimme free ones when i take them back in with bad ball joints

Seems a bit much, I think I paid about 60ish for mine.

 

[crimsondragon]

Rockauto. com has them starting at $21 and up to $60. As far as I know they are OEM spec. I'm not sure how long the bushings would last.

RockAuto Parts Catalog

Out of all of those, I would only buy the Raybestos Professional grade ones. I'll stick with ACDelco on belts.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

I see OEM lateral arms going for $38 and change at mitsubishiparts.com and just about every other source of OEM parts.

 

[m1nd64m3]

Just bought one from jnz for 40 today