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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Technical Discussion - Beginner / Repair => Topic started by: WVzuk on December 28, 2011, 07:42:24 AM

Title: Cheap Ball joints?
Post by: WVzuk on December 28, 2011, 07:42:24 AM

I need a ball joint for my 94 sidekick and I came across these cheap ones by "parts master" on partsgeek.com for $14.99.  They also have the beck Arnley ones for around $50.  There is a Mevotech for 16.99 as well.

What's the deal with the cheapos.  Anyone tried them?

Title: Re: Cheap Ball joints?
Post by: fordguy79 on December 28, 2011, 08:58:10 AM

When I worked as a counter man we sold parts master stuff some of the ball joints where moog. Peices. I've used some parts master parts they seam to be holding up so far its been 2 years now

Title: Re: Cheap Ball joints?
Post by: SquirrellyFella on December 28, 2011, 09:04:20 AM

I've never heard of parts master before but I'm generally very cautious about cheap suspension components. Considering that the ball joints are usually a pain in the rear to remove and install and you'll likely need to drop some dough on an alignment afterward I would just buy the premium components.

Title: Re: Cheap Ball joints?
Post by: bentparts on December 28, 2011, 07:06:13 PM

 Couple a years ago I put in a set from auto zone, house brand, duralast I think, boots tore up in a couple months. I've had a set of Moog in there for about a year now and their still lookin good. Maybe the only difference is the boots.  ???

Title: Re: Cheap Ball joints?
Post by: talonxracer on December 28, 2011, 08:12:16 PM

I have used cheaper parts many times, sometimes they work and last a long time, other times I am kicking myself in the arse for going cheap, LOL

Most of the time I gravitate towards the midpriced part and that has worked out for the most part.

Title: Re: Cheap Ball joints?
Post by: airdale navy on December 29, 2011, 01:25:16 AM

Stay away from PARTSGEEK bad costomer service.If they send you the wrong part (AND THEY USALLY DO).And you send it back they what you to paid shipping again for the right part.I think the place is a SCAM.

Title: Re: Cheap Ball joints?
Post by: camokick93 on December 30, 2011, 06:36:18 PM

Hi! Stay away from any el-cheapo ball joints or even tie rod ends.A few year back I tried a pair of low cost ball joints
on my kick and 6 months later they were worn and loose,that was city driving by the way,I've even tried the more expensive
ones wich were way better,lasted about a year and got loose,so now I'm running spicer ball joints for little over 2 years daily driving and severe off roading and the ball joints are still like new,absolutely no loose and their rubber boots are intact,just
My 2 cents.