Worn O/S front ball joint

[James]

Got my car serviced by Ford recently and was told by the receptionist upon collecting my car that evening it needs a new front O/S ball joint. I knew the car wasn't handling that well of recent but I put it down to the tracking been out which it is. Is this a big job? Would I be better to get an Independent mechanic to do it for me rather than Ford? Also how long would I get away with without having it done? 

Edited December 22, 2018 by James

[iantt]

Normally it's cheaper to replace the lower suspension arm with an aftermarket arm than a ball joint alone from ford. 

Ford lower arms are expensive. Arm replacement a better option and sooner or later the lower arm bushes will be the next to need replacing. 

If the cost is an issue to you then independent garage will probably be up to half the cost of ford garage. Get a quote from both. 

[isetta]

how long it lasts partly depends on how bad it is now and whether the rubber boot/gaiter is still keeping dirt out and grease in. 

Unusual to go on a 2015 car - what's your mileage?

many cars go through their whole lives without these being replaced. I don't know if they have a higher than average failure rate on Ford Focus

[F0CUE]

Yes definitely get them aftermarket. I had a garage fit mines for £50  and the arms cost £60 where ford would charge upto £350 for parts and labour maybe even more. Now I would do them myself as have more confidence and knowledge.

[James]

59 minutes ago, isetta said:

how long it lasts partly depends on how bad it is now and whether the rubber boot/gaiter is still keeping dirt out and grease in. 

Unusual to go on a 2015 car - what's your mileage?

many cars go through their whole lives without these being replaced. I don't know if they have a higher than average failure rate on Ford Focus

It's at 86000 miles at the moment so it has done allot of driving in the last few years. 

[F0CUE]

Yep that would be normal as mines were close at just over 80,0000 and I got them done asap.

 

[TomsFocus]

80k is about right, had to do the wishbones on mine around 70k due to bushes.

Definitely go aftermarket but go for a known brand, there are some shocking quality aftermarket lower arms around.  It's also worth having Hunter alignment done afterwards, not as cheap as supertracker but will feel better to drive and save scrubbing through tyres as well.

[mrmetallica]

4 hours ago, James said:

Got my car serviced by Ford recently and was told by the receptionist upon collecting my car that evening it needs a new front O/S ball joint. I knew the car wasn't handling that well of recent but I put it down to the tracking been out which it is. Is this a big job? Would I be better to get an Independent mechanic to do it for me rather than Ford? Also how long would I get away with without having it done? 

was told after mot my rear joint was iffy following year it was my rear suspension with oil misting

had mot done else where this year no advisorys except side light had gone ? not going back to fords