So I recently brought my 03 in to be looked over from top to bottom. What they told me was that both upper and lower wheel bearings are shot, the axle seals are shot, and idler arm needs to be replaced. Along with this the 02 sensor which I believe is in bank 2 is in need of a replacment . The total for parts is about $250 give or take, and the total cost of the job + parts is $690 which includes an alignment .

Is this a good price , or is that a bit high? When they told me I was a bit shocked to be honest, because I didn't exact as much to be wrong with it, since I looked over the car pretty well before hand and didn't really notice the balljoints even being bad at all but according to pomps they are shot and should be replaced .

Thoughts .


Chi_Town

 

upper and lower wheel bearings?

 

no such thing as upper and lwer bearings,you probally misheard them,they said balljoints. Which is somewhat common. 690 isnt that bad for all of that if the balljoints are original.

 

Ball joints, I don't know why i put wheel bearings lol .

As for the price, I was just a bit shocked mainly because I've had a lot more done on previous vehicles and still it didn't clear $600, that's my main concern with it to be honest. I was almost thinking of just doing it all myself but im not sure if the original ball joints are riveted in or bolted in, and im honestly not sure if they are even original to be completely honest either .

Is it a hard job to take on , other than the alignment which I would have to bring in. I've replaced ball joints on a lift off of my 97 Grand prix which was a task even with a air hammer, I just don't want to get into it and become quickly over my head.

Chi_Town

 

well,look at the upper one. They came riveted in,which is a fun task to take on. Depending on if you have 4x4,the lowers are pressed in on 2wd. if the uppers have already been done. Do it yourself.

 

Yeah my blazer is a 4x4 .

 

you also need to take into consideration the "grade" of parts being used

Some quote and only use premium parts
Some quote premium parts prices and put in economy grade parts

 

yea,make sure the balljoints are the best you can buy,aka moog,trw, or raybestos professional. aka $45-$60+ each.

If one pops because of a low quality grade you can loose your life,the car,or someone elses.

 

$690 is pretty good

 

From what I was told they are lifetime warranty parts, im not sure on brand . But the ball joints were priced at around $25 each , idler arm was $36 , 02 was $80 , and the axle seals were $11 each . The remainder of the costs are for the alignment and the labor costs. I wanted to do a little at the time like the lower balljoints and axles seals, and idler arms, then do the uppers , alignment , and 02 the following paycheck but they urged me to do it all at once, other than the job load being as they are breaking everything down again I'm not sure why it would be an issue .

I think I'm going to ask another shop about it and see what they can quote me for the work needed . They did however tell me that If I want I can bring my own parts and they wont charge me anymore in labor , which I guess is a good thing to some degree ? My whole thing is I was told I shouldn't drive the truck the way it is but the guy is a friend of mine told me he's seen worse and has driven on worse so I'm not sure how urgent this is other than the parts needing to be replaced that is .


Chi_Town