In 2012 I had to replace my lower ball joint on my front right. This is when the other Z site was up (prior to being hacked). I did a lot of research, went through recommendations, and tried to determine if an OEM or aftermarket would be better. The problem with the OEM is that it also includes everything - the entire arm, bearing, and ball joint - and is thustly a $400+ part. So I was able to find (through Megan Racing) the ball joint that was just that - the broken part that needed to be replaced.

Fast forward two years later when I took my car over to have the safety done, and low and behold I need a new ball joint. I don't race my car. I don't live in a city with high and rough terrain, or even snow. I drive about 6k miles a year.

I've decided to replace this replacement with the full OEM arm. My question is - is it common to blow through a ball joint that fast - especially in an aftermarket part like that?

 

Do they check the joint or boot? Most people are not actually wearing out the joint, just have a cracked boot. Then replace them with a low quality joint and boot combo.

 

Believe it or not, two years is an impressive lifespan for a cheap aftermarket balljoint, assuming yours is actually bad and doesn't just have a torn boot.

 

The boot is torn but they're saying that it's bad because of the over-movement of my tire. There's enough play in it that it won't pass safety.

 

You need to verify with your own eyes that there is play in the joint. Your tire can have many reasons for play.

 

I'm looking to replace the ball joints on my compression rods. Can someone suggest a good aftermarket ball joint?