Uppers usually fail due to t boots failing first. Lowers fail due to them carrying the weight of the van. The lowers should be inspected for boot condition, weight taken off them and then a big pair of groove lock pliers, 9channel Locks) can be used to compress them and check for play. If the play is noticeable, time for new. If OK, leave them. The original ball joints are often good for 100to200k miles. The replacements will not last near as long. While checking to front end, check the bushings at the front of the strut bars. They are more responsible for un even tire wear and poor handling than most other parts. They control the caster angle. They may even look OK but if they are distorted at all, replace them.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike \"Rocket J Squirrel\" Elliott"
Date: Friday, January 26, 2007 2:24 pm
Subject: Ball joints, upper / lower
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

> Mm-kay, I know I have to get Mellow Yellow's upper ball joints
> replacedon account of the clear wear on the tires that I
> described a couple
> weeks ago. Visual inspection revealed the joints are pretty gone.
>
> This kind of work I farm out to my local and trusty mechanic in
> Encinitas, CA, Charlies Foreign Car. I hear the upper joints are not
> particularly difficult to replace, so I reckon I'm not looking
> at a big
> bill for those. But I also hear that if the uppers are gone, the
> lowersmay not be far behind, and they appear to be more
> difficult. Charlie's
> quotes $525 a side to do both. Kinda pricey.
>
> I'd like to hear from others about the "better do the lowers if the
> uppers are shot" recommendation.
>
> --
>
> Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
> 71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
> 84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
> 74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
> KG6RCR
>