Replacing control arm/ball joint

[drunkenmaster]

I took my 2002 Saab 93 in to get new tires & alignment today at Belle Tire. The front driver side tire was wearing on the outside. I was told that my driver side ball joint needs to be replaced. It comes as part of the control arm assembly. The shop wanted over $600 to do the job. Seemed very high to me.

Is replacing the control arm something I could do in my garage? Then take it in for an alignment after. I found a replacement part for about $60. It appears that there is 3 attachement points (frame, stabar link, & ball joint).

[earthworm]

If you have all the good tools and the strength, DIY
An hour or so of hard work, and by hand..
Is the joint really bad?
$600?
A "fair" price for today..
I still have 3 Saab 99/900 ball joints, one can do this job for closer than $60....
Those were the days...

[saab&engineer]

The answer to your question is yes. I was able to do it, but a few additional tools are probably needed for you. Here are a couple of links to help you.

http://photo.platonoff.com/Auto/2005...nt_Suspension/

http://photo.platonoff.com/Auto/2007...0_Control_Arm/

You will want to go and get a torque wrench and an arm puller if you don't already have one. If you have any other questions feel free to contact me through the thread or messaging me. I spent three days doing a complete suspension upgrade so I learned alot.

[drunkenmaster]

Originally Posted by saab&engineer

The answer to your question is yes. I was able to do it, but a few additional tools are probably needed for you. Here are a couple of links to help you.

http://photo.platonoff.com/Auto/2005...nt_Suspension/

http://photo.platonoff.com/Auto/2007...0_Control_Arm/

You will want to go and get a torque wrench and an arm puller if you don't already have one. If you have any other questions feel free to contact me through the thread or messaging me. I spent three days doing a complete suspension upgrade so I learned alot.

Thanks for the links S&E. Very helpful.

[drunkenmaster]

Originally Posted by earthworm

If you have all the good tools and the strength, DIY
An hour or so of hard work, and by hand..
Is the joint really bad?
$600?
A "fair" price for today..
I still have 3 Saab 99/900 ball joints, one can do this job for closer than $60....
Those were the days...

I called an independent local Saab shop and they want $210 for the control arm & $50 for 1 hour labor. Way better than $600.

I'm pretty sure the joint is bad. I was getting uneven tire wear on the front left tire. It also pulls to the left and I get a lot of steering wheel vibrations. More at specific speeds. It also was making a odd noise when going over bumps.

[RBatsch]

Your $210 control arm will most certainly be Taiwanese vs. OEM. Read up on ScanTech control arms before you decide how soon you want to do this job again. eEuro sells ScanTech for $100 vs. OEM for $280.