Ball Joints: The saga continues

[washin34]

The shop the I wanted to press it in and press it out initially said they couldn't do it. We agreed to allow it to be pressed in by a third shop and they would install the knuckle onto the car.

I took the knuckle to Napa and they pressed them in. He complained about the unusual shape and design and sort of "made" a tool that allowed him to utilize the press he had. He was beating it to hell.

Is that how you remove ball joint? Has anyone ran into this sort of issue?

The first one worked. The second one broke.I bought a used steering knuckle from the salvage and it was not a stripped down knuckle. It had the abs (black) box on the back,rotor,caliper bracket all attached. The installers had to disassemble and install. The ball joint was OE, but was in good shape.

I ended up with a used, but in good shape, ball joint and a brand new one.

The shop installed it all for $250. The used steering knuckle was $120. The ball joints were $100.

Did I come out on top? Should Napa have paid for a new knuckle?

 

[LS4me]

Should Napa have paid for a new knuckle?

If they were beating on it instead of using a proper press I would think so. Maybe this is why Lincoln only has the arm assembly available and not the ball joint.

 

[n8bachelor]

I don't think it is doing your keyboard any favors either

 

[pektel]

I didn't have to beat them in at all. Just used a c clamp style ball joint press and air tools.

 

[hite337]

there is no reason to beat them up, i had the ford dealer do mine. the knuckles were off the car and it took them 20 minutes with the right kind of press, cost....$40. sounds like some napa shade tree 'mechanic' screwed you. napa should absolutely pay for the new knuckle, unless they warned you in writing before they started that the knuckle might break.

 

[LS4me]

So I also need ball joints on the '00. I called all over the place here and NO ONE will press in the new Moog joints. They don't want to be responsible were the knuckle to break. GRRRRRRR.........

Now I have to decide if I want to tackle the knuckle replacement (I'm not really inclined on this option) or just write the check and have it done.

 

[koraykuru]

Deeza (rockauto.com) - Crap

Dear LowLS,

We apologize that you had problems with the Deeza ball joint you ordered and we are sorry to hear your comment about our products.

All Deeza parts come with our warranty, 2 year/40,000 miles. We have not received any claims from you on the part you purchased yet. However, if you can let us know where you purchased the product, your order number, name, delivery address and part number you received; we would be more than happy to arrange a pick-up for the part from you and refund you fully on your part and shipping costs. This would also give us the opportunity to review the part and understand the reason why it was not up to your satisfaction.

I also read your post saying "they are not the same sizes when bought." and I need to comment on that. The part number LN-G603 is 14mm ball joint and it is dimensionally exactly same with the OE ball joint. There should not be any problems about that as we reverse-engineer the products through the OEM specifications and dimensions and we have sold thousands of this ball joint without any problems in the last 6 months.

If you are looking for the 16mm ball joint for Lincoln LS', you need to order Deeza Part# LN-G604.

You can reach me at my email: koray.kuru @ deezachassis.com or call toll free 877-336-2595.


Thank you.
Koray Kuru
Product Development Director
Deeza Chassis Parts