Cars.com

When I took my 1988 blue Honda Accord into the dealer last month for a new battery, they called me to say that I needed new "front lower ball joints." Suspecting that they may just have had a boat payment due, I asked why they thought I needed these new ball joints. They said mine were old, worn and loose. "Yeah," I said, "and what about the ball joints?" They said the ball joints were part of my suspension, so it was a possible safety issue. I frankly didn't go for it. So now I'm wondering, will my engine fall out onto the road while I'm driving? I hate that. -- Amy

Tom: Rest assured, Amy, bad ball joints will not make your engine fall out while you're driving. So you can completely erase that worry from your mind.

Ray: Bad ball joints can, however, make the wheels fall off. So if that concerns you at all, you might want to get them replaced.

Tom: This is actually a very common problem on Accords, so if I had to guess, I'd guess that the dealer is telling you the truth. And he's right - - it is a safety issue -- assuming you consider your front wheels "safety equipment."

Ray: Actually, I must say that I find it sad that we mechanics have such lousy reputations, that even when we tell someone like Amy the truth and try to warn her about impending doom, her response is "Yeah, sure, buddy!"

Tom: Well, after all those "dipstick polishing specials" we've sold over the years, you can't really blame Amy, can you?

Ray: I guess not. Get a second opinion if you want to, Amy, but I'd get the work done soon. And while you're at it, have the rear ball joints looked at, too, promise?

Don't get stuck with a lemon. Be an informed shopper. Read Tom and Ray's guide "How to Buy a Great Used Car: Secrets Only Your Mechanic Knows." To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1997 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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