Replace Just the Ball Joint Or The Entire Control Arm - Front Suspension Repair Tips 

You really hit the nail on the head when doing work for someone else, time is money. Yes, you can often replace individual parts for less money in regards to parts but it can easily end up costing more on labor. That's why things like Monroe quick-struts are popular, they are much faster to swap in and out and you don't have to dance with death trying to compress springs. But if you are doing the job for yourself, replacing the ball joints and bushings can be better because you can get the parts for less or you can sometimes get better upgraded parts. It all boils down to if you have more time than money or if you need it done quick. Plus, people like to go straight for the cheapest parts... I would much rather spend a bit more for a good Moog part and have confidence it will last for years instead of being right back here again next year replacing the same cheap brand part.

The very best guy, fantastic knowledge. Also there is something about his approach, his communication, his sense of humor that makes each video such an entertaining experience.

Thanks for the videos and knowledge sharing. I'm not rich so I had to buy an old car (2006 Hemi Durango), was 188k miles three years ago, it's now at 250 and will hopefully keep going. I've been able to save a lot on repairs, thanks to you and a few other skilled youtube mechanics... Plus it feels good to do something by myself. Many thanks.

I have an '02 Dakota Quad Cab. Just rebuild the whole front suspension in my driveway. I went with all 4 moog control arms which came with the ball joints & control arm bushings arm bushings pre installed. Also did the tie rods, steering links, and the stabilizer bar links. The ball joints had zerk fittings. The tie rods & stabilizer links didn't, so I drilled 7/32 holes, 1/4 x 28 tap & installed zerks on these. $360 delivered from rockauto. No regrets. Wasn't worth the chance of the greif it could have been. My truck now feels as tight as when I bought it new.

I agree totally on the quality of Moog parts. I recently replaced my lower ball joints on my 2003 Silverado 2WD, and for the application it was much easier to replace the whole arm. The joints are riveted to the arm, which would require a lot of drilling to replace.

How do you get the shock absorber yoke bar back on to the new lower control arm? 2003 trailblazer ls.

Just got an '04 Sierra 2500HD this weekend and you answered my question. I knew upper arms were easier to replace than the ball joint but I wasn't sure about the lower. Thanks.

I have a 2001 Chevy Silverado I’m trying to replace the lower control arm I got the old one off but I can’t seem to get a new one on in place what am I doing wrong

Great topic, I ask my friends and family this same question when working on their vehicles. They always say. “Whatever you think”. I do these same assessments that you talked about. Yes I am in the rust belt. 😡

If you're a well versed and equipped diy'er, as I would consider myself, I like to keep the upper and lower arms and just replace bushings and ball joints. For less money you can buy superior (IMO) ball joints and bushings than the cost of new arms that typically have basic bushings and ball joints. This is of course as long as the arms themselves are in good condition. I live in a dry warm climate, so for me, rust is not really much of an issue. The trade off is there will be the extra time to press them out but since it's a heavier duty part, the intervals in which you would have to do it is increased. Worth the effort to me. Thanks for the videos. Edit: Example where I live, complete upper control arm is anywhere around $60-$125.....all over the board really. Heavy duty ball joint and polyurethane bushings about $40.

Cool video. Just what I was looking for

I have a question kind of like this video. On replacement of idler arm. I’ve seen some replace just the arm and some the arm and bracket. Why choose one or the other?

@7:50 I had the shop repair manual on CD-ROM for my 1992 Ford Probe. Most of you all know that the chassis engine and transmission was Mazda MX6. The manual strictly prohibited replacing the ball joints saying that the control arm could not withstand the force of a press. And yet just before I watch this video I see ball joints for that car still for sale.

Great video love your style....you are a badass mechanic...never change!

guys and gals! thanks for your video on this. goodyear replaced lower control arm and ball joints and just found out from a different shop that goodyear stripped out both ball joints bolts and one bolt was so lose the wheel was flopping.

Heya's Doc - Great videos. Thanks for what you're doing. I learn a lot with each video i watch.

So if I get like a front end kit and it comes with new lower ball joints but not the control arms can I just replace that if there is no damage to the lower control arm and it still work?

Thank you for all the videos very helpful

As always, great video. Your customers are lucky to have a guy like you to go to. Thanks for the video and thumbs up.

Watched thru 5.5 mins, never put a tool on the vehicle! Thanks!! Just what I needed! You're the greatest!

My own 90 son central can I replace just a ball joint lower lower ball joint broke or whloe control arm 09 Nissan sentra

On my car 2003 Chevy Cavalier I removed the rivets and increased the holes to 1/2" to fit new ball joint bolts. But the question I can't find anywhere: what torque specifications do you apply on those 3 bolt, attaching the Ball Joint to the Control Arm? In Haynes Manual it says should be an instruction sheet in a new set, but mine doesn't have one. From Internet it looks like 10-12 or 12-14 Ft-lbs, but in one film he applied 50 Ft-lbs, though on a truck. Pls could you give your opinion what torque specification it can be? I did a lot of research on Internet, nothing on that question. Thank you for a good film.

Thank you for the thank you. I enjoy your videos very much. When I did my 2500HD I just replaced the upper ball joint. Next time I will replace control arm and all. Just would have been easier. And I am in the Pennsylvania rust belt. It sucks.

Thanks for the video. I have to replace a bunch of front suspension parts on my pathfinder and I was trying to decide if I should go ahead and replace the arms too. Might as well! Lol

Love your video, I need help ! Can't replace the bolt on lower ball joint on my audi q3?? Nuts are off but won't release from control arm

My new favorite channel

THANKS FOR YOUR SHARING YOU SAVED ME SO MUCH MONEY

Great videos. Thanks buddy!

I have around 260,000 miles with original control arms from factory, would you recommend replacing them? My ball joints are bad but with the amount of miles I have, I figured I’d just replace the control arms. What do you suggest?

Are ball joints covered on warranty? I can't find it in the contract I have a Nissan Sentra 2012

Is it safer replacing whole arm with riveted lower ball joint than just replacing lower ball joint . The bolts for new LBJ has nylon inside bolts does it fit as tight after cutting and pounding out old rivets.has any replaced ever come loose

This was a good video. You always give us good and honest info. it's a pleasure to watch you and your videos. I always look forward to them Please keep the channel going. btw, your telemarker sounds like mine. But mine is selling solar panels. He can be one rude dude, lol. The phone company should stop them. A great video, Thanks my friend.

Hopefully the time of chatter is'not included in the labor cost.

Thanks for this info.

How do you know if you need to replace the moog lower control arm? What happens if you dont replace them?

Fast forward to 6:10 to miss the BS !

Truly amazing to see a 14 year old truck with a ton of miles on it with no rust

Thank you Doctor! I wish you were around where we live. Wife has a 06 Lincoln Town. We are replacing worn lower balls with Moog as I have sold thousand of dollars of Moog with no issues. We want to do the uppers at the same time even though they are still tight as the car is 13 years young with 100 k on the clock. Upper control arms may be steel or aluminum but I haven't been able to go underneath with a magnet. Does it matter? Should I go with the arms or just the balls and if I go with the arms should I get steel or aluminum?

Thank you! I wondered why the upper ball joint and lower bushings are not sold separately- looks like Ive got to purchase some control arms.....

I have a question, can I put 4wd ball joints on a 2wd truck? I have an 04 dakota. I do want to say this, I totally appreciate your video and how in depth you get with how to do it the job. If I lived close to you, I would so bring my truck to you. Thank you again. As always" You rock".

Tim on my 2500hd my upper arms were good and I used moog problem solver upper ball joints. If I went for the arms I would need the alignment done. All good and tracks fine I know they suggest to get an alignment so when you just change the upper ball joint do you find the alignment out ?

That part about the bonus butt plug reminded me of that Crank Yankers episode LMAO

Tim, as always that was a very informative video. Unfortunately where i work we usually install the cheapest crap available. China is my boss's friend. I agree that Moog is the best but not as good as it used to be. We appreciate you, your knowledge and your videos.

😍you had me at "great people"😍

Thanks Doc

Your my hero...a tool box bigger than I am. Awesome! Plus my wife's favorite color. I may have a chance at buying one now that it comes in her color! A fart machine, classic. A sign of a good technician, always considering the value. I like that.

I changed upper control arm, ball joints and tie rods. But it feels like wheels have play and any bump pulls the car to one side. What’s next

Yes sir, the rust belt will eventually destroy everything made of metal. Keep up the good work.

Is reason for sand due to salt not working well below 15°F? There are too many cold days in Alaska? I hate cold weather. However, Alaska is the bomb in the Summer.

2004HD Duramax with 260,000 on it. Replaced both upper ball joints last year. Was not aware of that the upper control arm with ball joints was an option. Now, of course, the control arm bushings are going out. ;) So have to make the decision, do I replace bushings or complete assembly and eat the new ball joints that only have about 1,000 miles on them. :(

If the upper ball joint is change should lower be changed too?

only issue i see with a upper arm is that half the time in wisconsin those cam bolts are so seized to the bushing sleeve you have to sawzall them out and then buy new cams. Its easier to just do the joint in my opinion.

From N Michigan. Rust is a shade of paint here. Nothing comes apart easily, and I always work on my rig on a weekday so I can buy what I break. Rust is terrible, I envy u..

I love the car doc.

You're from Alaska and you don't get rust? It wasn't that way when I lived there. Maybe it's an ocean thing. I lived in Anchorage (near the ocean) for 5 years (high school plus one after) and ALL cars in that time that were 2 years old were jacked with rust. It always started from the wheel wells. This was in the '80s though. Things may have changed by now. Now I am in Phoenix, AZ for the last 30 years and THIS is the place where there is no rust. Zero rust on all metal parts. That's why people have tons of cars from the '50s with faded paint but perfectly intact non-iron oxided bodies and frames.

oxygen torch for the rust works wonderfully

Curbed my car in the snow. Already replaced a wheel bearing. And here I am researching about my lower control arm🤦🏻

Greetings. Hoping you might be able to answer a few question. Just had my Ford Explorer in the shop and they say I need some work on my front end which I know it needs but the estimate they gave me sounds like the same parts so here goes. For parts he has 2 Lower Ball Joints($170), 1 control arm with Ball Joint - Front right upper($97), 1 Control Arm Assembly($110), Tie Rod end - Outer Left($68)......prices are for parts not labor and under labor cost Ball Joint - remove & replace -RWD lower, both. Ball Joint - remove & replace - upper, both - [Serviced with Control Arm] Tie Rod&/or End - remove & replace - outer, one side - [includes: adjust toe-in only Note; Deduct .4 if alignment is also performed Note: Manufacture recommends removal of rack and pinion steering gear when replacing inner tie rod end(s) on some models. Left(driver)Outer! So does this sound normal to you.....thank you in advance!!

So how many miles on my truck should I wait to do maintenance on ball joints or replace UCAs?

I am just about to change the front control arms on my ford mondeo, I decided to go with new control arms simply becasue purchasing the bushings and ball joint separately would have been only like 35% cheaper, and in my opinion this would not offset the additional work involved.

Even your time, eh, is worth something! -car doctor

You would rock it here. You know Hawaii - true laid back way of living. If you do come by Oahu send me a shout out. Would like to meet you and maybe do a simple BBQ. Again thanks for what you do for us all.

“I have a cutting torch I hear you need that.” Lol I’m just below the rust belt, and I tell you sir we use it almost every day for even the simplest of things.

he's an old school talker for sure and while some are looking for this type of engagement, many want answers quickly,. So unless you really want to know more than you care you will not like this particular video. I have a sibling like this and while I value his knowledge I can no longer go to him for advice because it just takes far to long to answer the question and takes offense if he's not being allowed to pontificate his knowledge on to all of us. Again, time and place and for some this video will be immensely helpful so I don;t think he should be thumbs down, maybe just put long version in title.

Moog used to be made in US only but now that FM bought them they are made by about 16 different countries so unless you can see the box on the shelf you do not know where or what you are getting.it is a shame. because I like you always had used Moog suspension parts. As of late there are a lot of reports of wear and especially boot failures on the ball joints.I have used nothing but Moog through the last 50 years,so now I do not know what to use anymore that I can depend on.

👍👍

Moog! You must be a nascar fan!

I saw a video, made by a moog employee, stating they get their parts from around the world, USA, China, Mexico, to name a few.

I like your channel.But, did you know that Federal Mogul bought Moog and then ln 2018 Tenneco Bought federal . so now there are about 10 different countries That make Moog parts. Tenneco Especially has parts made in China.So now you do not know where your parts are coming from unless you see the original box beforehand. If you buy online its worse because they get rid of original box to save on shipping. It is sad because I always trusted Moog also.

I used to put my 3 years son on the phone with the telemarketers when they asked for me

wow a Chevy truck with non rusted rockers .

“Rust belt” hahaha. I love you and hate Minnesota. But AK??? Hell no. Straight to DL

Just one tiny issue. They don't make the control arms for my truck. Thus my only option is to change the balljoints as needed (the originals lasted 360,000 miles and were not as bad as the ones in this video) And then when the control arm bushings start to get play in them (as of now they don't) then I'll have to cut them completely off and weld in new mounts for a tubular after-market set up. There may be some videos on this channel that show fabrication of aftermarket parts into vehicles with discontinued part numbers, but if not it may make for a good video!

Video starts @10:30. You’re welcome.

I really enjoy watching your Channel , but seems you get the same number of thumbs down @ every Tutorial you put up ... Hmm .. ? Animosity perhaps ? After watching previous vid " Replacing Upper arm and Lower ball joints " , Thank You for the explanation as to why and when the Upper Arm Assembly should be/not be replaced , I was also a bit confused at first vid as well . Location ( weather / terrain conditions etc. ) along with sustainability vs. cost , plays a major roll in evaluating whats best in the long run . I'm getting ready to pull the drivers side wheel of my recently purchased ( used ) 03 Chevy Avalanche 4x4 that has some play in steering wheel and likes to float to the left @ 35-40 mph. and while braking . Previous owner says ball joints needed replaced , but I haven't inspected or sure what underlying problems may exist .. thanks for the possibility's that may incur and/or how to repair in this scenario . P.S any tips or cause on the the above described would be most comforting , Thanks RJ

The tela marketing people that call me are wanting to pay off my collage loans 😬

You look like Jesse Ventura

Moog made in China is what Iv read ?

Moog made in the USA? What! Maybe 7 years ago. In 2023 Moog is made in China then shipped to USA.

you tackle the question after innane rambling to no end, I will check with somebody who gets to the point! Bye

He knows what he is talking about, he just takes toooooo long to get to the point

Labor? Talk on the job on youtube on coustomer car ?wowzer

Would be cool if you got to it over all your gratefulness. Just rushing to fix my truck. No offense talk just gets old.

Lot of waste of time in the video only 2 minute info 9 minute wasted.

GOT DAMN HE TALK TOO MUCH

If you would stop rambling on and on you could have showed us how the damn upper arm was installed! Less talk more instruction.

Too much bullshit!!

You talk too much about the guy that called the telemarketer we don't care about that stuff get to the point thank you

Dude, cut the bs and get to the point!

Too much yapin.....