How long should my ball joints have lasted?

[Dave G]

New LCAs from NAPA in September '06 with about 3/8" of up and down play, no more than about 20k miles later. I'm pissed... Just ordered new ones from Rock Auto. (I don't have the NAPA receipt.)

What's the thinking on putting zerk fittings in the new ones - any help?

[Festiva_tunner]

What kinda roads/driving are you running?

[Dave G]

What kinda roads/driving are you running?

Just normal city / highway stuff, and I drive like an old lady. (Ask anyone :-))

[skinnypin]

could be another problem that is making them go out. look into other parts around the area. something could be putting more stress on the ball joint than it suppose to.

[Festiva_tunner]

could be another problem that is making them go out. look into other parts around the area. something could be putting more stress on the ball joint than it suppose to.

He has a valid point if your tie rods are shot that would put additional stress on the lca I would also check your struts and swaybar while your at it
How's the alignment on the car? If its doglegging down thwe road that will wear your ball joints.
Lastly did the lcas come with a warenty? Napa is pretty good about honoring those

[skinnypin]

napa

i get all my parts from Napa because i have a buddy that works there. I'm pretty sure they keep a copy of the receipt. i bet if you went to them and talked to them about it they could help you out.

[Dave G]

To follow up: http://www.waverlystreet.com/temp/balljoint.wmv

What a difference - that's what all that clunking in the front end was, eh?

[Levitan]

I think if I were to do it all over again and I had the financial resources to pay the extra cash, I would buy Moog suspension parts. I'm guessing the real problem is in the cheaper grade metal....AND Moog adds zerts to the components.

[Pu241]

Wow!:shock:

Just glad you found the issue.
Mine were so bad that it failed(ball joint separated from the LCA), turning the driver-side tire 90 degrees to the path of travel and removing the axle in the process.
Fortunately I was only going about 30-35 MPH.

FWIW, non Moog LCA's seem to get me about 100K miles, before they need replacing again.