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I have play in my front lower ball joints, 99 Toyota Altezza. Is this common? What's involved in fixing? And cost if you have any idea?

Alex,

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 27 July 2010

Ball joints are a common item to require replacing over time on any vehicle, not just Altezzas. They are a spherical joint that links the suspension strut and wheel hub (what the wheel bolts to) to the vehicle's body via a lower arm.

The ball joint itself is typically inexpensive, a call to your local Toyota agent with the vehicle's model number would confirm an exact price, I would imagine somewhere between $50 - $100. The labour involved in replacing the ball joint would probably be around an hour if it's a bolt-on joint. A pressed-in joint would take slightly longer as the lower arm may need to be removed also.

Any reputable mechanic should have the equipment and know how to change this part for you. They may also advise you to have a front-wheel alignment check after the repair.