Should I replace just the ball joint or the whole control arm?
Replacing just the ball joint can be harder and require special tools or pressing, whereas swapping the entire lower control arm is often more straightforward for DIY repairs. However, deciding depends on whether components like the rubber boots are severely worn or if replacing the whole assembly is just an upsell.
What the numbers show
Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count
- The most recent one is from October 2026.
- This comes up 11.5× more often in r/MechanicAdvice than across the site as a whole.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Declining the repair recommendation from the dealership
- 2Postponing the maintenance until there is actual play or leakage
- 3Avoiding dealerships and taking the vehicle to independent mechanics or handling repairs oneself
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Is this critical?”source ↗
“The rubber boot is cracking and there are minor signs of seepage. Plan to have this replaced. Not urgent though.”source ↗
“Honda dealer wants your money”source ↗
“They are dry rotting. It will break eventually. Personally I would replace them but I get it if you’re broke then let it ride.”source ↗
“Techs just had a meeting where their new corporate overlords warned them if they are not selling they are going to be rolling toolboxes.”source ↗
“What is easier? Replacing the ball joint or the whole LCA? I have a Grand Marquis 2000, what tools will I need and how can I do it, car suspension failed at the supermarket and I got it towed home.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
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- 9How to tell if a worn timing belt actually needs replacing
- 8Rebuild original vintage part or buy cheap reproduction?