Date:         Wed, 4 Jun 2003 15:18:58 -0400
Reply-To:     Shawn.Luft@COMPLETIONS.BOMBARDIER.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Shawn Luft <Shawn.Luft@COMPLETIONS.BOMBARDIER.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ball joints
Comments: To: blake@MATH.WUSTL.EDU
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hello,

Well here's my thoughts on the issue.

Ball jonits are important, and if they somehow "go" while you're driving,
it could possibly cause an accident.  I once heard of someone's entire
wheel flying off the car because of breakage on these components.

That being said, i'd keep in mind that almost everything on the vehicle is
a safety issue - and you can spend all your life long days chasing and
fixing stuff.  Sometimes you just need to fix what is necessary, and worry
about the rest down the road.

Last summer I had to do one of mine on a '73 bus, and because of budget,
and also because a vehicle safety inspection said that only one was bad,
well I just went and did the one.

The vehicle performed great during last year's summer vacation, and no
complains.  At the same time, one year later I find my steering is a little
loose, and some people recommend to change the ball joints - d'oh!  If I
could've, and could, I would - but it's driving, getting me to work, so
I'll keep my fingers crossed and deal with issue as they arise.

That being said, I suggest you see what you can afford, and more
importantly how much you want to spend.  Everybody is different, and we all
use our vehicles for different reasons.  Do what you feel it best!

Regards,
Shawn.