I have to replace a tie-rod on my step-son’s 2004 Volvo S60 awd, 160k miles. Boot on the rack end was torn and let grit in to wreck the inner tie rod end. I was looking around to make sure nothing else needed to be done; I am going to do both sides and not just the worn one. We jacked the car up yesterday to check around, and everything else is nice and tight. But I was wondering if maybe I should just do the lbj’s because I’m there, it’s not hard, and the supplier I was getting the other parts from has good quality Delphi ball joints on sale cheap. The bushings on the LCA look fine and no reason for a control arm on either side, really.
I am also a believer in the “if it isn’t broke, leave it alone” school, so I’m torn on this one. Leave it alone, or $35 for new ball joints on a car w/160k on it and hopefully not have to worry about them ever again (he will probably keep driving the car a while, several years at least). I would prefer to do anything else within reason before getting the subsequent alignment after the tie rods go in.
I am also a believer in the “if it isn’t broke, leave it alone” school, so I’m torn on this one. Leave it alone, or $35 for new ball joints on a car w/160k on it and hopefully not have to worry about them ever again (he will probably keep driving the car a while, several years at least). I would prefer to do anything else within reason before getting the subsequent alignment after the tie rods go in.