Q: Can I replace the ball joints on just one side, or should it be done one both sides?

asked by on October 23, 2016

I need the ball joints changed on one side of my vehicle but have been told to do both sides. Do I have to have them both done at the same time?

My car has 168000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Ball Joint Front Replacement $128.81 - $888.69 Get a Quote

If you change the ball joints due to wear on one side of the vehicle, then the other side will likely go bad in a short time. After replacing the ball joints on one or both sides you will need to get an alignment done. If you only replace one side, get the alignment done, and need to replace the other side in a month, another alignment will need to be done. I would recommend replacing both sides at the same time so only one alignment needs to be done and you have the peace of mind that your front ball joints will be good for a long time. If you need help with this replacement, YourMechanic can dispatch a certified technician to your location.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I turn on the parking lights in a 2012 Dodge Ram?
Turning on the parking lights is easy. Simply find the headlight knob, which is located just to the left of your steering column. Turn the knob clockwise to the parking light icon, which is a picture of two lights facing...
Car makes strange noise
Unfortunately, with the information provided for your Honda Odyssey, it is difficult to provide a diagnosis as to why it is experiencing this noise while driving. There can be a variety of components that make strange noises as they start...
Rear passenger wheel gets very hot. Do you know what it could be?
You will need to lift the wheel (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-properly-use-a-floor-jack-and-jack-stands-by-brent-minderler) off the ground and see if the wheel is able to turn freely. If it does not, then the wheel will need to be removed and the caliper bleeder screw opened to...
Brakes make squeaking noise on 2006 BMW 530xi
Hello, thanks for writing in about your 2006 BMW 530xi. If the rear has been fully investigated and repaired, the squeaking sound is likely coming from the front. The sound may be from warped rotors, worn pads, or glazed friction...
I'm losing antifreeze somewhere
You would need to have the cooling system checked (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-is-leaking-inspection) to see if a head gasket is leaking internally, or there is an external leak that is causing the coolant loss.
thermostat replacement 1999 isuzu rodeo 3.2 V6 seems to look different than shown in my Haynes manual. Does the intake manifold ne
The manifold has to be removed to replace the thermostat. Rubber hoses that are only replaceable with the manifold out of the way should all be replaced during a repair like this and you should consider sending the fuel injectors...
Car shake when going over small bumps.
The suspension could be loose or have a broken bushing causing the control arms to move around or the shock absorbers are worn and causing the tires to bounce violently at highway speeds. If you need further assistance with your...
About how long should it take to replace the high pressure power steering line on a 2013 Cadillacs cts
Hello, thank you for writing in. Estimated times for your repair range from 1-2 hours. Most technicians and shops charge a minimum hourly charge for labor, on top of the cost for parts and fluids. Your shop should keep track...
Mechanics replaced water pump but did not replace the thermostat. Engine overheated and blew the head gasket? 2010 Jeep Compass
Hello - this is a judgement call. It is common practice, but not a "standard", to replace the thermostat when replacing the water pump. This is mainly due to access to both easily when replacing either one, and the relatively...

Related articles

2012 Nissan Rogue vs. 2012 Ford Escape: Which One Should I Buy?
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) use the chassis of a truck to provide superior structure, with a larger size and often poor gas mileage. While that isn’t always true, SUVs have a raised ground clearance and are generally meant to haul...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Personal Trainer
As As a personal trainer, you either operate out of a gym, or you go to your clients. Either way, you probably don’t have to haul any more gear than what fits into your gym bag, so your main focus...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Delaware in 2012
Delaware Delaware offers a variety of weather, which means drivers have to be prepared for both the mild and the treacherous. In previous years, the best-selling vehicles have included the Honda Civic, Accord and CR-V, along with the Toyota Camry....