My 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport has 60,000 miles on it. During routine service recently, my mechanic told me that front lower ball joints are showing wear. One has a little play in it, the other has more severe movement at this point. My mechanic said that I can probably wait another 10-15,000 miles before I will need to replace them. Replacing them means replacing lower control arms, because it doesn't pay to remove and press in new ball joints into the control arms. Will my Rogue be able to maintain proper alignment with the worn ball joints? I have fairly new good quality tires on the Rogue. I don't want to ruin good tires for the sake of putting off the front end work. Thank you.
You always should get an alignment after doing suspension work. As it happens I'm in the middle of replacing a worn ball joint on my own daily driver, though in my case it's about a $20 part that just easily bolts into place. (The only adjustment in my case is toe-in and I'll have that checked afterwards.)
Thank you for the reply. However, my question was will worn ball joints prevent my Rogue from maintaining proper alignment? I have fairly new quality tires on the Rogue, and I don't want to chance ruining them if the car can't maintain its alignment with worn ball joints.
Of course they can, depending on how loose they are. I would replace them ASAP.
What brand ball joint did you go with?
Years ago Moog was my go-to brand for suspension parts but their quality has gone downhill. I ordered TRW ball joints this time so will see how those look. I've got the old worn-out ball joint out and just waiting for the new ones to arrive. (The other side is still nice and tight but I ordered two to have one on hand when needed.)
the other has more severe movement at this point.
"severe movement" is no bueno. Replace ASAP.
This will affect your handling, and it will put more stress on the other suspension, and steering parts, wearing THEM out faster.
And yes, it will scrub off your new tires.
My mechanic said that I can probably wait another 10-15,000 miles
If the ball joints truly are severely worn, then this is awful advice. I am not a fan of this mechanic.
There shouldn't be any play in any suspension joints.
You will have to realign your tires if your lower ball joints are worn. Unless you can guage tiny fractions of an inch (nobody can by themselves), you'll most likely need an alignment. Unless it's a solid axle rear end, which your Rogue isn't, it needs aligned, in order to work properly. Scuffing, etc will happen if you don't.
Probably not
My thanks to everyone for the feedback. I guess that I have to find a mechanic to replace the ball joints.
I guess that I have to find a mechanic to replace the ball joints.
That would be best, you really don't want to play around with loose front end parts. Avoid dealers and chain shops.