Some Things Wrong

[alexx]

took my car to get a new roadworthy done at ultratune, they said i need a new front lower ball joint, but have no idea where to find it so and ideas on where to get that?

and they also came across an oil leak apparently but ive never noticed any leaks so i was thinking maybe it could be build of from over the years and there just trying to come up with things to make some money..?

so im gonna get it up on the ramps tomorrow and check it all out.

[KrazyKong]

I have no experience with Ultratune, but if they are anything like Pedders...

In my best Maxwell Smart accent, "sounds like the old, let's convince the customer they need x, x and x replaced!"

But seriously, you should have no troubles finding a mechanic who will hoist your car up and give you a diagnosis of what needs replacing for free. I went to quite a few, and the nicest and most honest one I did business with. I got both my tie rod ends replaced today for $40 total! I paid $50 for both of them from Global Auto Spares, and then after they were installed, an alignment for $39. I think for $129 total, for new tie rod ends and a front alignment where my steering wheel is nicely horizontal is a bargain.

As to your lower ball joint, I'm not sure what part that is. Could it be a tie rod perhaps? Could you take a pic and circle it to show us what they pointed out to you?

[mad082]

lower ball joint is in the steering yes, but it isn't the tie rod. it is the ball join in which the wheel attaches to the car. the disc rotor sits on the hug which sits on the axle stub which is all attached to the suspension via the ball joint.

the way to check the ball joint is to jack the front of the car up and get a long bar and put it under the front wheel then pull up on the wheel. if there is a clicking/clunking noise then the ball joint is stuffed.

oil leak is probably just from the rocker cover. that's nothing to worry about.

[mosquitocoils]

Oil leak may be nothing to worry about, but may stop you from getting the road worthy cert