Hey guys, I need some advice. I went to get my oil changed today at a Honda dealership (at $20, its a steal) anyways, they came back to me saying that I needed to replace the front lower ball joint which will be $508, then rotation, alignment, get a brake inspection coz the rear brakes are starting to show some rust. All in all, they were going to charge around 6-800 depending on what the brakes need.

Now I know its important to do the ball joints, and that im gonna have done at an all honda-only shop for $125+tax. But right now im on a budget crunch so I can only do so much, rotation I know is $20, alignment might around $70, and the brakes will be pretty expensive depending on what happens. The joints i plan to do ASAP with the rotation and alignment. Was wondering what could wait, or what else should I do as far as maintaining the car. BTW im at 108k miles. Thanks!

 

Wherever you get the ball joint replaced, bring them the following TSB:
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/B06-015.PDF

It will save you some $, since you no longer have to replace the entire knuckle assy. The total cost of the replacement should be ~1hr labor + part cost.

Let your trusted mechanic check out the car and advise on what is really needed.

Good Luck!

 

Thanks! btw sorry for the noob question, but whats TSB? is it service bulletin?

 

dang man it cost me less than that to replace both lower joints on my car.......

 

really? how much? coz as i said, dealer quoted 508, and a very reliable car shop quoted me 125. maybe with the TSB should be lower. i mean the joints arent that expensive, so im tihnking its just labor.

 

Get your KY ready if you're taking your car to the dealer

 

yeah, no, the only thing i go to the dealer for are oil changes because its dirt cheap and they give a free car wash. theres a shop around here that specializes in honda's and acura's. huge shop, but the dont do aftermarket, performance anymore. they used to be into motorsports, but stopped. but yeah, im planning on taking it there. its 1/5 of the price compared to the dealer, and maybe with the TSB ill bring itll be cheapr. how much is it usually for ball joint service?

 

I think it cost me $300 for 2 at the acura dealer where I live

 

a not bad. yeah im going the the honda shop, $125+tax for the fronts only.