So I brought my 05 TJ (208k miles) to a local shop since I discovered a loose tie rod joint. Mechanic says I indeed need tie rod ends, but I also desperately need all new ball joints. Quoted me $1300…. Is that a fair price?
$1300 for ball joints?
- Thread starter Ducati2
- Start date
I feel like you could buy the parts, all the tools, a jack and Jack stands, hand wipes, and a job specific uniform for less money.
What da hell I wouldn't pay that.
It's no surprise every used car you ever buy is driven into the ground when normies get quoted this shit all the time
It's no surprise every used car you ever buy is driven into the ground when normies get quoted this shit all the time
Even with problems that require cutting heads off of bolts, that is max 2 hours per side. 1 hour without issues.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/jeep,2005,wrangler,4.0l+l6,1430906,steering,tie+rod+end,7428
Labor cost equals material cost is my rule of thumb, unless there's a lot of dissembly required for access.
The first time I went to rock auto and saw how much I was being gouged for parts, I started buying my own tools and learning.
Labor cost equals material cost is my rule of thumb, unless there's a lot of dissembly required for access.
The first time I went to rock auto and saw how much I was being gouged for parts, I started buying my own tools and learning.
CreepinDeth
TJ Addict
Smart man ^^
I just paid less then $1300 for an entire 2.5” Rancho lift kir, plus I got all new steering and suspension Moog components and Rancho shocks. All new Powerstop brakes ftont and rear put me over that amount tho
Call a shop and ask what amount of LABOR TIME it will take, and their shop rate is. Buy the parts yourself off RockAuto, get the absolute best you can afford. See if they will install….most will not warranty tho FYI. Midas does , sometimes Merlin
Centric, Mevotech, Moog, etc
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/jeep,2005,wrangler,2.4l+l4,1430904,suspension,ball+joint,10070
I am a DIY’er but we are NOT in the season that is friendly to learning, and you need some tools to do this. Unless ya got a garage, then for sure start learning and buying your own toolz
Heres a video that shows how to install Rough.Countries HD set, but Im not too familiar with RC parts like this, have to ask the old timers
I just paid less then $1300 for an entire 2.5” Rancho lift kir, plus I got all new steering and suspension Moog components and Rancho shocks. All new Powerstop brakes ftont and rear put me over that amount tho
Call a shop and ask what amount of LABOR TIME it will take, and their shop rate is. Buy the parts yourself off RockAuto, get the absolute best you can afford. See if they will install….most will not warranty tho FYI. Midas does , sometimes Merlin
Centric, Mevotech, Moog, etc
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/jeep,2005,wrangler,2.4l+l4,1430904,suspension,ball+joint,10070
I am a DIY’er but we are NOT in the season that is friendly to learning, and you need some tools to do this. Unless ya got a garage, then for sure start learning and buying your own toolz
Heres a video that shows how to install Rough.Countries HD set, but Im not too familiar with RC parts like this, have to ask the old timers
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CreepinDeth
TJ Addict
Who says it's reasonable? Location and labor costs in your area all plays a part in deciding if it's reasonable or not. I wouldn't pay that but that's because I do all my own vehicle repairs. If you can't do your own repairs, then the easiest way to know what's reasonable for your area is to get a 3-4 quotes from different shops.
If someone came to me and asked to pay me to do it, I'd probably charge $4-500 labor....depending on how rusty everything is. Also, recommend you replace the wheel bearing assembly which will increase your parts cost but wouldn't increase labor costs since it's gotta come off anyway. Also, I'd replace the axle U joints but that WILL increase labor costs a bit. The axles have to come out but it takes some time to disassemble the U joints. Probably another $100 or so.
If someone came to me and asked to pay me to do it, I'd probably charge $4-500 labor....depending on how rusty everything is. Also, recommend you replace the wheel bearing assembly which will increase your parts cost but wouldn't increase labor costs since it's gotta come off anyway. Also, I'd replace the axle U joints but that WILL increase labor costs a bit. The axles have to come out but it takes some time to disassemble the U joints. Probably another $100 or so.
What are you paying for? You said it needs tie rod ends and ball joints. What parts are in the quote? Tie rod ends, tie rod sleeve, drag link, track bar end, 4 ball joints. Labor to install plus alignment. Hard to say if the quote is reasonable without all the information.
That's retarded. If you think I'm going to do a set of ball joints for 75 bucks a side, you can do it yourself.
Rock Auto operates on the lowest margins in the industry. They are a very poor metric to use for gouging. They have no warehouses, no customer service and no quality packaging materials. They 100% drop ship at very low negotiated rates.
The unit bearing comes out with the axle shaft as an assembly. No need to drop the stub out of it for ball joints.
I don't replace u-joints in stock shafts.
Well, the good news is if you brought me any of the 3 you listed, you get to take them home with you in the boxes you brought them in. None of them are worth the effort to install them.
CreepinDeth
TJ Addict
I wouldn't pass judgement until I saw the estimate. If it's just ball joint that seems high. Ball joints, tie rod ends, drag link ends and alignment not so bad.
Also what brand parts are they goin to use? AutoZone vs. Spicer?
Also average labor rate in AZ is $120.00 to 140.00 per flagged hour. Not saying it's right or fair, it just is.
Also what brand parts are they goin to use? AutoZone vs. Spicer?
Also average labor rate in AZ is $120.00 to 140.00 per flagged hour. Not saying it's right or fair, it just is.
Could have looked at all the mud and rust (or just an older vehicle) and gave you a fuck off and go away quote too...
-Mac
-Mac
I have mine going into the shop next week, new ball joints, rods, arms, and bars. Depending on the quality/price of the new replacements ( i get to choose, they obtain and cover with warranty)...the quote was $1,285.00 with Moderate priced/quality parts. It'll be more because of the parts I'm having installed, but you can use it for comparison. Portland, Oregon pricing from a mechanic with experience on Jeeps.
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