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Used Steel ball joints?

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Old 06-16-2010, 08:33 AM
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jwillman
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Default Used Steel ball joints?

I have a 1979 with aluminum ball joints (probably original).

I have a line on a set of used steel ball joints. They appear in pretty good shape but are these rebuildable should they go bad after a short time or am I better off buying new?

Thanks
Old 06-16-2010, 08:35 AM
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Landseer
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New.
Old 06-16-2010, 09:19 AM
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linderpat
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Do you know the exact history on the used? Were they taken from a very low mileage car that is being parted out or were they removed and replaced from the donor as a maintanence item? Unless you know for sure, and can verify almost new condition, it just is not worth it to buy such a critical item used. Plus, I don't know that you can rebuild them.
Old 06-16-2010, 09:30 AM
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herman maire
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You will spend more ( if its even possible) money rebuilding one then buying new. Dont waste your time and brain effort. Buy new and be done with it.

If you can get the used ones in your hand before buying and the joint is very stiff to move around its probably still good, if it moves around to easily, there much closer to junk status.
Old 06-16-2010, 09:52 AM
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AO
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The problem is you don't know if the boot will hold up. They often times will get compromised upon disassembly. They may look good not but in a week or a month or a year the boot may split and you'll be doing the job again. I would buy new just for that reason.

Last edited by AO; 06-16-2010 at 10:25 AM.
Old 06-16-2010, 10:11 AM
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jeff spahn
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Buy new, don't even consider it if it's used. To critical a part.
Old 06-16-2010, 10:21 AM
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The lower ball joint boots are only available from Audi and at circa $50 for the boot not worth taking the chance.
New BJ's are $122 each. The eccentrics $27.95 and you only need two if you are careful.
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Old 06-16-2010, 10:34 AM
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Cosmo Kramer
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Originally Posted by ROG100
New BJ's are $122 each..
Roger... I had no idea you were getting into that business??

Old 06-16-2010, 10:39 AM
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Landseer
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Stay away from the used BJ's.
Old 06-16-2010, 10:45 AM
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Ted at least I have a 928 watch for my bling 8>)
Old 06-16-2010, 01:31 PM
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Mark Anderson
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Originally Posted by jeff spahn
Buy new, don't even consider it if it's used. To critical a part.
Sorry Jeff but I have to disagree. We offer good used ones and to date we have never seen a steel ball joint failure. I do not think the joint is rebuildable but you can feel if there is any signifiant wear.
$45
Old 06-26-2010, 05:20 PM
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Fogey1
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Originally Posted by mark anderson
... you can feel if there is any significant wear.
$45
I'm with Mark and Herman, you definitely want to avoid "sloppy seconds" BJ's.



Sorry, I COULD NOT RESIST. Maybe it was the fur.
Old 06-26-2010, 08:14 PM
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Maleficio
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How do I tell if I've got the alums or steels?
Old 06-26-2010, 08:49 PM
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blown 87
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Originally Posted by Maleficio
How do I tell if I've got the alums or steels?
I would imagine a magnet would be a good start.
Old 06-26-2010, 09:37 PM
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Maleficio
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Originally Posted by blown 87
I would imagine a magnet would be a good start.

Didn't even cross my mind. durr


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