Need Advice Please

DSN46 · January 27, 2009

Hey All,

Quick question for you.

I just had both lower ball joints replaced at the dealer. I used Moog parts because I wanted something greasable. It is now 5 months since, and I just noticed that the passanger side ball joint boot is ripped in a straight line across the top portion of the boot and grease is coming out.

The part is under warranty, but I will have to pay labor again to get the thing replaced (including another alignment). Is this something that I should just drive and keep full of grease? Or should I get the part replaced while still under warranty?

Also, I do have a Fabtech lift on it, but the lift did not cause any cracking on the OE boots. Can you think of any reason why this boot would crack so soon?

Did someone fill it too much with grease when put on? Are Moog parts inferior?

Thanks for ANY insight!

James

txab · January 27, 2009

I would have it fixed or fix it myself. You'll have moisture and debris getting into the joint. Plus grease will just leak out all and get all over the place. More than likely you will pay labor for replacement, but you never know. There should be no need for re-alignment after replacing just that one ball joint. Moog parts are not inferior parts.

A number of things could have caused the cut/tear. Could have been damaged on installation. Road debris. Over greasing. Defective boot from factory.

DSN46 · January 27, 2009

I would have it fixed or fix it myself. You'll have moisture and debris getting into the joint. Plus grease will just leak out all and get all over the place. More than likely you will pay labor for replacement, but you never know. There should be no need for re-alignment after replacing just that one ball joint. Moog parts are not inferior parts.

A number of things could have caused the cut/tear. Could have been damaged on installation. Road debris. Over greasing. Defective boot from factory.

Thank you for the response!

The part is covered under warranty, but the labor is not. I think I'm just gonna go ahead and make the appt. to have it done. Only thing that concerns me is that it happened at all.

Thanks again,

James

txab · January 28, 2009

Inspect the new boot closely after installation. I've seen many damaged during the install when re-attaching the lower control arm to the wheel assembly

DSN46 · January 28, 2009

When you stated "damaged on installation" in your first reply, that struck a chord with me. It seemed like he had to struggle with that side more than the other. I just have that "Gut" feeling that is what happened.

I will inspect carefully the minute I get back into it at the dealership. Thank you again!

James

mychevyvan · February 1, 2009

When you stated "damaged on installation" in your first reply, that struck a chord with me. It seemed like he had to struggle with that side more than the other. I just have that "Gut" feeling that is what happened.

I will inspect carefully the minute I get back into it at the dealership. Thank you again!

James

I replaced one I had carelessly damaged on my daughters Honda, they are pretty easy to cut if care isn't taken to avoid it. You have gotten good advice and I just wanted to say your on the right track to check anyone's work whom you don't know and never let anyone touch your truck that has proven themselves untrustworthy!

Zembonez · February 1, 2009

I think it was damaged by the installer and therefore should be covered parts and labor to replace. After several months the boot should not be cracking under any circumstances. I think I'd have a serious chat with the dealer service manager over this.

DSN46 · February 1, 2009

I think it was damaged by the installer and therefore should be covered parts and labor to replace. After several months the boot should not be cracking under any circumstances. I think I'd have a serious chat with the dealer service manager over this.

Thank you all for the advice!

I agree with you Zembonez. Normally I would take an aggressive approach to the chat I had with the service manager. Things at this dealership are a little different however. I personally know the installer and he is a GREAT mechanic as well as an honest person. Is he SO good that he couldnt make a mistake? Of course not ( I think this is actually what happened). Would he intentially cover up a mistake? NO way. I don't think he knew it was ripped a little when he handed me back my keys. He wouldnt have let me leave with it that way. This dealership is the one that told me that another dealership was taking me for a ride regarding rotor-wear.. this dealership actually refused my money because the "man" said he ran an honest business and would not do work just to take my money. The "man" was the actual Owner of the dealership who comes out and works the service desk once in awhile to keep his hands in the game.

My whole point is, I will need to be careful about throwing stones because these really are "small town good people". Maybe I could "suggest" that the boot was ripped during installation and see what they say?

I don't know.. dont like this position I"m in. Even if I pay labor, the installer already said he would just charge me 105.00 (half the book) to do it for me.

Thanks again to all.

James

Zembonez · February 1, 2009

I think it was damaged by the installer and therefore should be covered parts and labor to replace. After several months the boot should not be cracking under any circumstances. I think I'd have a serious chat with the dealer service manager over this.

Thank you all for the advice!

I agree with you Zembonez. Normally I would take an aggressive approach to the chat I had with the service manager. Things at this dealership are a little different however. I personally know the installer and he is a GREAT mechanic as well as an honest person. Is he SO good that he couldnt make a mistake? Of course not ( I think this is actually what happened). Would he intentially cover up a mistake? NO way. I don't think he knew it was ripped a little when he handed me back my keys. He wouldnt have let me leave with it that way. This dealership is the one that told me that another dealership was taking me for a ride regarding rotor-wear.. this dealership actually refused my money because the "man" said he ran an honest business and would not do work just to take my money. The "man" was the actual Owner of the dealership who comes out and works the service desk once in awhile to keep his hands in the game.

My whole point is, I will need to be careful about throwing stones because these really are "small town good people". Maybe I could "suggest" that the boot was ripped during installation and see what they say?

I don't know.. dont like this position I"m in. Even if I pay labor, the installer already said he would just charge me 105.00 (half the book) to do it for me.

Thanks again to all.

James

Maybe that came across wrong. I really wasn't implying that he was crooked. It is perfectly within reason that it got damaged during installation and not noticed. That's the approach I'd use with the SM. If it comes down to having to pay... $105 isn't too bad for the security of knowing it is fixed and won't be a problem soon.

Good luck man.