Front ball joints- $1851?

So i went to my dealer regarding a squeak when I turn and they diagnosed it as "Worn/Busted ball joints Both front wheels". They are quoting me $1851 for the job.

In addition they wanna charge me $215 for the '4 wheel alignment', $80 for 'throttle body service', $117 for 'Fuel injector service', and $163 for spark plug replacement.

My question: Can any of you suggest an alternative? (add links or any help you can in your post please)

I am not a rich person, I only get $11/hr and am in so much debt right now.
Help would be much appreciated.

Thank You
Sam

 

Don`t even pay that price

 

Have you physically felt the wobble in the front joints ?

 

I spent a bit over $500 for complete LCA's and cam bolts plus an alignment (OEM mind you). Did the work myself except for the alignment which ran $80 or so. $1800 seems excessive...

 

Go to an independent mechanic shop. Small shops almost always have better pricing than a dealer, plus their mechanics are usually better.
The only thing dealers are good for is the initial purchase, after that anything I can't do on my own I have locally owned shops do for me.

 

In fact the quote I got with non OEM LCA's was $550 for the whole thing and I didn't have to get dirty... Stealership. Walk away and don't look back.

 

Don`t go and tell new mechanic what dealer quoted. Just ask for a diagnosis and quote

 

If you're in "so much debt" my advice would be sell the truck to pay off some of the debt and buy a cheaper daily that can get you from point and to point b reliably. Debt is you're worst enemy

The dealer is hoping you'll pull your pants down so they can fuck you, don't let them. Do some research and figure out the best option for you.

 

Ball joint replacement is honestly one of the most over-hyped repair jobs on a vehicle. If you can replace your brakes you can do ball joints. That shop is just trying to rape you.

Jack the truck up and check for signs of wear (try and move the wheel and if it does move see where the slop is). If it is ball joints, no big deal. Go to advanced/autozone and rent a ball joint press. Grab yourself a set of snap ring pliers while you’re there if you don’t have them. If you’re not wheeling the truck like crazy you might as well get your ball joints there too; the Moog ones are decent quality in my experience.

Pop the dust covers off, remove snap ring, press the old one out, press the new one in, put snap ring back in and be on your way.

Here’s a thread with pics if you need more description: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-lca-ball-joint-replacement-2005-tacoma.176251/#post-3691540

 

Man, that sounds completely stupid.

Where are you located? Is there another dealer or an independent shop close to you? Are you mechanically inclined? Ball joints really only need basic tools, and maybe a pitman arm puller you can get from Harbor Freight for 20 bucks.

I would have asked them about that "4 wheel alignment." Making those adjustments on the straight axle rear wheels would have been interesting to watch

 

Your money is your business, but your recent posts show you have money to buy new stereos and LED bars, so you should have money for maintenance needs.

If you’re in debt to your eyeballs and make $11 an hour, do yourself a favor and fix your financial situation before you end up in bankruptcy.

 

I can't stress enough to find a good, trusted independent shop. In the occasions when you run into things you can't or don't want to tackle. It is worth the hunt.

 

@crashngiggles maybe we can help this guy out. Even if he pays for shipping it will be a ton less on the New OEM LCA's we have with Whiteline Bushings installed.

 

I've put the correct prices in there.

 

If you're tight on cash, have a tool or two around, and a little time available, you can probably handle some of that scheduled maintenance yourself. Plugs and throttle body cleaning are pretty straightforward, and there are great tutorials on here. Unless you break everything you touch, it's the best way to save $, and be sure you haven't overpaid someone to break your truck. And IMO unless your dealership is the one in a million exception(doesn't sound like it) you can find a reputable independent shop that will work harder for your business for less when it comes to the things you're unwilling to tackle.

 

@Unchained 5150 sounds good. @Sam091990 I am shooting you a pm.

 

@magneticwhite88

The truck is part of that, I fell for the oldest trick in the book, but live and learn. First time ever buying a vehicle alone via credit.
I bought the truck from Autonation Ford and they said "this is required, that is required, this is needed" and did not let me see the paperwork til AFTER the bank approved a loan. $19000 truck went up to $25000. Still owe over $21000 on it.

Sam

 

@T4RFTMFW

The radio was a "Thinking of getting" thing

The Vehicle lighting was cause sometimes I have to work vehicle patrols as a Security Officer and the company I work for does not provide company patrol vehicles. Gotta use our own and I would rather have lights for ID purposes so I do not get arrested or shot since I would be driving my own BLACK truck around properties with lotsa paranoid people ( I work condos, gated communities, etc).

Sam

 

Toyota doesn't have a part# for Tacoma LCA ball joints. They only sell the complete LCA. That's why the price is so high! Go to small shops and get quotes for ONLY ball joint replacement and alignment.

 

Thank you dustin19d