Is fixing the ball joint on a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer expensive?

Question

I just bought a used car on wednesday. Everything was working fine until i was driving last night and I lost control of the car and started swerving. My friend and I thought it was a flat tire, but it appears to be the upper ball joint broke. The entire tire is tilted and needs to be repaired.
It only appears to be the front left tire affected, along with the brake for that tire of course. Has this happened to anyone or does anyone know if repairs for this will be expensive... like above $300?
Also is it going to be a long process to fix this?

Answer 1

Blazer ball joints are notoriously junky. You may only have one that actually failed, but I'd bet money the other 3 are worn and need to be replaced too. You should have them checked by someone who knows what they are doing.

Cost of repair depends on labor rates in your area and the quality of parts used but expect to spend $650-900. Drop it off for the day.

You could do it yourself but the ball joints are rivited to the control arms and you will need an air hammer to remove the rivets.

Answer 2

It will probably take you half a day to replace that ball joint. This problem is common in Blazers but its not impossible to replace. It will take some different tools and a decent amount of time. I would suggest getting a Crains Manual for your Blazer. You can find one at any auto repair store. It will help show you how to properly replace it. The one thing you will have to do after which you can't do at home is get your tires alligned after.

If you have all the necessary tools then it will cost less than $300 to fix (assuming you do it yourself). If the damage is only to the upper ball joint area.

Answer 3

I just had mine upper and lower joints on both sides replace with a front end alighment which cost me 650.00

Answer 4

if you repair it, have both sides done. and more than likely, it will cost >$300+.

Answer 5

not as a Mercedes.