Re: Ball Joints on 1995 90 Q Sport

[Chris Newbold <cnewbold@transarc.com>]

Rich wrote:
> 
> Ball Joints...That's what the Midas Service guy said when I took my car in
> for a Vermont State Inspection. (NO! I would not even think of letting them
> work on my car!) Anyway the service guy said that there was some play in the
> front ball joints, and proceeded to rock the tires back and forth while we
> stood under the car, showing me that there was a little bit of give. I'm
> still under warranty, so should I take my car into the dealer, or is this
> normal and as it should be?

I don't really know the answer, but I do have some BTDT... I went through
my first set of ball joints on my 1993 90 in about 36k miles. Dealer
decided there was too much play and replaced them under warantee.

Seems like an awfully short life, but I've since received other annecdotal
evidence that the ball joins don't last long on these beasts. The
deal seems to be that they used front suspension bits from the previous
generation 80/90, but dropped the heavier V6 motor in...

I'd get a second opinion from a trusted mechanic; they may well be shot.
If so, head to the dealer and get it done before you have to pay.

-Chris
1993 90CS 70k miles (just about time for more ball joints)