Front suspension ball joint dust cover

[whybi]

Hi all,

I drive W203 C200k wagon 2001 made, and recently failed the MOT test (@Halfords) on the below basis

"Offside lower (outer arm) Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)"

My question is, do I need to replace the suspension arm (or wishbone) not just the dust cover?

Also, Halfords quoted £200 for the repair for replacing the suspension arm. Does this sound reasonable?

I really appreciate your help in advance! Thanks,

Regards,

Boris

 

[WG M-B]

It's a maximum of 1 hours labour .
A lemforder arm can be bought for around 90 pounds
I make that 165 all in. If they are quoting a genuine arm then its fair price

 

[Dave Richardson]

The MOT inspector isn't saying that the suspension joint has worn or is unserviceable but that the rubber boot has split and no longer prevents the ingress of dust or water.

Replacement rubber boots can be purchased from GSF or other parts specialist at a reasonable price, so would say if it can be sorted for just a few pounds why spend £200

 

[merc85]

The thing is how long has the rubber boot been split? long enough for grit to get in and start to wear said ball joint out?

 

[whybi]

Hi all,

Thank you very much for your help and advice. Much appreciated.

Also, I didn't mention this in the original post, but I've replaced the both of the front suspension arms about a year and half ago, so was a bit disappointed to hear that I need to replace one of them again!

Regards,

 

[whybi]

Hi,

I called Halfords to get this clarified and they advised they do not just replace the dust cover but suspension arm, but if I can get just the dust cover replaced, that should pass the test. So, I called the other garages, but they also advised they don't just do the dust cover replacement but whole suspension arm.

So, I've decided to replace the suspension arm altogether, but not with Halfords but with local independent Merc garage as their quotation sounded more fair. It could have been so much better if the repair is only few quids as Dave mentioned above and do it DIY, but I took a safer option.

Thanks again for all your help!

Regards,