Worn Lower Ball Joints

[RAYKENNY]

Has anyone else had any problem with prematurely worn lower ball joints on the XTERRA? I've got 35K on the speedometer and the play in the lower ball joint is already excessive. I've now replaced the lower ball joint (well, actually both control arms) and it is better; but there is still a noise similar to a bad ball joint. How about the upper ball joints? Has anyone else found these to die prematurely?

On top of all that, the ABS light has lit up and stays on now too!

[Schludwiller]

Damn. You've replaced both lower control arms! That's expensive and time consuming. I've replaced one upper ball joint but that was $45 because I have SLR Upper A-arms.

The lower ball joint is removable without replacing the a-arm, but I don't know the part number yet (Nissan only sells the whole arm).

What condition is your centerlink in?

[Schludwiller]

Oh, I should add I'm going to replace one lower ball joint, but am waiting to see how they single replacement goes, instead of the whole arm. I have priced used ones for $85, and I heard AC has them under nissans $200 price.

[RAYKENNY]

I got a good deal on the control arms. The front end however, still sounds like a wreck waiting to happen, especially when the wheel is fully turned to one side or the other and weight is taken off the front end a bit (such as going up a slight incline).