I have a 2000 Sable. The front ball joints were replaced in July 2008 by a Lincoln Mercury dealer. I have since moved from that area and recently visited a new dealer. They now tell me that I need ball joints due to "excessive play" in the present ones. I think they are basing their diagnosis on my front tires being worn. The car has 128000 miles on it and those were the tires on the car when the ball joints were replaced and were worn then. Since the tires weren't real bad I opted not to replace them at that time. Also, I have only put 3000 miles on the car since the installation of the new ball joints. My dilema is this, I am a single woman that doesn't know squat about cars and feel like this dealer is trying to scare me in to doing something that doesn't need done to the tune of 430.00. What does it mean when they say, "excessive play?" Shouldn't there be considerable play in the ball joints to complement the ride of this car? The only issues I am having is that I do notice the bad tires and will replace them, other than that there is no noise or anything else coming from the front end of the car. It's a nice smooth ride. Should I be worried?
In my opinion, they are trying to taking advantage of you cause you are a woman. excessive play means there is excess movement in the new part or parts....how can that be if you just not long ago had them replaced? I think you are right, and they are basing their opinion on the worn tires....I would replace the tires and go on down the road, and not worry about it....kk thanks for using fixYa
Yes worrie dont wait with ball joint excessive play means the ball joint will break soon any puthole will do the job and there no reason why ball joint are already finish dealership warranty is 1year on job they do so this should be covered on warranty pierre
No, They are Basing this Repair on your Tires as You Stated. This is a Common Diagnosis and You Being a Woman has a Lot to do with it Also. If the Ride is Fine and there are no Rattles or Shimmies in the Front End, Don't Worry about it, You will be Just Fine. Please Rate My Response! Thanks!
If they were installed by another ford dealer using genuine ford parts they would be warrantied for 12 months/12000 miles.Just present them your receipt.If you can not find it call the orignal dealer and ask for a copy,
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