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View Full Version : loose R/F ball joint


dzenisn
11-03-2004, 08:22 AM
Hi guys, I am new to this thread so please forgive if I brake some rules. I need an advice. I had me wheels alligned recently and the guys at sears forgot to tighten my right fron adjustable ball joint. consequently while driving the vehicle made poping noises. I maybe drove on it for 80miles plus, not knwing what it was. I took it to honda mechanic and they tightened it but said it was so lose that the axle and wheel bearing were damaged. I took the bill to sears but they claim there is no way honda mechanics can prove there was any damage done to the axle and wheel bearings. They called honda and asked if they could prove damage weas done, honda said they could not conclusevle prove damage was done or that it was not. Sears redid allignemnt and the car drives fine now, no popping noises (which I assume was top of the loose ball joint hitting the plastic fender) and it steers fine. Sears thorougly inspected the axle and wheel bearing assemlby and again they would pay to replace the part because there was no evidence damage was done. The sears manager told me that I should be ok and if something happenms come and see him. Question? Is honda dealer full of shit because they first told me the axle was destroyed and then changed their story when talking to sears mechanics (oh yeah the warrany wouldnt cover it because it was due to bad allignemnt done by sears, were talking $520 for new axle, wheel bearings and and labor). I would appreciate any input. Should I be worried about the axhle busting up. the car drives fine now, no noises. Is it safe to drive?

robfrmny
11-30-2004, 09:38 AM
dealer ship mechanics are not always the best in the world. i work at a dealer and have at others and must say some of them are really smart while other are the dumbest people you could meet... the honda guys are working on flat rate and don't like to inspect things because it takes to much time, they will rather condem a part if that is where the noise was coming from and have it changed. if the problems come back then hay the old part must have damaged this other part ect ect till the problem goes away.i would be very upset with sears because they did give you a car that was potentialy dangerous to drive. dealer tech just want to make $$$ but that does not excuse the work done by sears id be more mad at sears then honda... honda was just tryign to make a quick buck sears endangered your life... a loose ball joint could damage the axle and wheel bearing because it will allow them to operate in angles they were never designed for..