Ball Joints and brakes

[Mean LX]

Took my truck to Goodyear to get some new shoes and they told me, brakes needed to be replaced front and back, two ball joints and one tie rod were worn out.

First off, I believe they were just trying to rob me of money. The truck drives great and does not wander.

I know the front brakes will be a piece of cake to change. I heard you have to pull the rear axles to change the rear brakes. Is this true?

Has anyone changed the ball joints? Doesn't Auto Zone have a tool to press out the ball joints and how difficult is it? How do you tell if they need to be replaced? Use a crow bar or something and see if there is excessive play? What is considered excessive; any play at all?

Thanks, James

[jesilvas]

I can pull of my front tire and move the rotor and look at the ball joints and see if they move.
Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Needle Bearing Maintenance Web Page
Rear brake, don't see why you need to pull the axle? Should be like the front.
DRW or SRW?

[Mean LX]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

I can pull of my front tire and move the rotor and look at the ball joints and see if they move.
Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Needle Bearing Maintenance Web Page
Rear brake, don't see why you need to pull the axle? Should be like the front.
DRW or SRW?

DRW. thanks, James

[jesilvas]

Shouldn't have to pull the axle. I have the front hub/rotors on dually's but oh well.
The rear should just be remove tires, unbolt caliper, pull off rotor?