Ferrari 360: Ball Joints / Tie Rod Ends

Shouldn't the shop technicians know the answer to this? If it seems necessary to gather opinions from strangers on the internet, perhaps you should be dealing with a more knowledgable and experienced shop.

 

And ball joints are a 360 classic so I'm guessing the answer is here several times

 

I think the OP is looking for additional input.

The way I read it, his PPI didn't find anything (major) wrong and then shortly after his mechanic finds a few things that show wear.



Slightly off topic, this is why I'm not a big fan of PPI's. I know you need them but the shop that does them should have some liabilty once you pay them for their service and something is found later on. I know you can't find everything, but some of the stuff they miss shouldn't be missed. Like a broken trans mount..... That's not to say it didn't break between the PPI and the followup service but looking at the mount might give you an idea of how long the mount has been broken.



Hopefully some of the more experienced mechanics on this forum will offer input but I would think if you can feel play in the tie rod end or ball joint without a long lever they should be replaced. Can you feel any play by moving the tire with your hands?

 

And that is why you should have your own mechanic do the PPI.
I have never seen a car come here that had a PPI done by a shop local to the car that didn't turn into a nightmare.

 

None.

 

If there was any liability involved with getting a PPI, nobody would do them. I think Brian mentioned a couple of cases and one where things really went south for one firm on a PPI on a GTC/4.

I had never heard the term PPI when I bought my car. Just lucky it turned out well, I guess.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Regarding play in the wheels, there should be none at all. Post a few more specifications regarding the car as well (year/miles in particular) and maybe others with similar models will have a bit more input as well.

On a side note: People really place excessive trust in PPI's nowadays. A PPI is only as good as the technician performing it. And because the shop which does the PPI really has no liability if something were to go wrong a bit further down the road, it spells trouble for the customer if he is a one-time visitor. Nothing beats personal experience, knowledge and second to that, a good mechanic you know personally.

Good luck

 

Absolutely. It is also a sad fact that many people are actually unwilling to pay the amount required for a PROPER ppi. It takes a long time to do the job properely and there are many willing to take shortcuts. Personaly, i wouldn't put my reputation on the line and will refuse to do them unless the customer agrees to pay for the job being done right.

 

When I hear the word "liability" with PPI it makes me cringe. Caveat Emptor.
No exam is perfect...

 

I'd strongly suggest refering to post number 8. They need replacing. A dealer will sell you an entire lower arm, and a specialist will sell you the joints only if the arm is serviceable.

 

I think we would all agree that Rifledriver would be an authority on this subject. Believe his post (#8): let your mechanic fix your car, drive it and have a good life...