So basically my mom owns a 95 stratus and she had some new front tires put on and they said she needed new front ball joints on the passenger side. so my first question is this a diy??? and secondly i did a search and was their some sort of recall on this year stratus or something that had to do with the ball joints?

 

Well to answer your first question. I'd say unless you know what you're doing it's not a do it yourself. I've seen some ball joints have stamped in bolts that took a cold chisel and a torch to get out but then again some are simple bolt ins. Either way you'll be removing the majority of the wheel setup on the side you're replacing and it's recommended if you're doing one do the other at the same time. Now for your other question... I'm not sure I would recommend checking the Dodge site seeing if there is a recall for your vehicle. I know there are quite a few of teh earlier Stratus' that had recalls due to various problems related to the ball joints, tie rod end, things of that nature in that area.

 

Ball joints are a DIY, but it's time consuming and definitely not for a newbie. It can be done, but expect to waste a lot of time with it.

I'd look around and try to find the parts and see if they're willing to let you buy the part and just install it for you....

Also, if you do one, do the other side as well......usually when one goes....the other's not far behind...

 

The whole newbie thing is why I say it's not a do it yourself. If you are considering it though you'll need a picklefork (Anyone know the actual name of this tool? I KNOW there's has to be SOMEONE out there knowing the tool I'm refering to), as well as a rather large socket (I can't remember the exact size offhand probably around 32MM or bigger). as well as jackstands. BTW DR how are the ball joints held in on the stratus? (I haven't replaced them in my '99 yet probably looking at that next after I replace tie rod ends).

 

The actual name for it is a ball joint seperator. the upper i believe is a press in and out and the lower is a complete control arm assembly. Been a long time since i've looked at a first gen strat.

 

I wouldn't even consider doing it yourself the lower control arms on the 95 to 96 Stratus are recalled. Go to the dealer and get it fixed for free.