I've been advised that my front passenger control arm/ball joint needs to be replaced. The wheel does have a good amount of play in it. The part itself contains both both the control arm and the ball joint? The place who told me I need to replace this seemed to think they were seperate parts, but from researching online, seems they are one part.

How hard is it for me to do this myself? I'm a novice. Anybody have any tips or directions?

I was thinking of buying this replacement off of ebay. Obviously I would get an alignment right afterwards.

http://tinyurl.com/3osvnv

Thanks,
Oak
2000 S70 GLT 120k miles.

At least on 95 and later 850s it is one part. The main difficulties are the bolts are likely to be tight, getting the new ones torqued properly, and need for alignment. For a part that is critical to your safety, I would use a factory or name brand part such as TRW.

I purchased mine as a unit(A-arm w/ ball joint and bushings)seems I remember paying around $85.00 per side,I also purchased new anti-sway bar links in case the old ones were damaged or worn.Installation was very straight forward minimal tools required.Use a good jack and stands,I had a little trouble with one of the old ball joints but with minor persuasion and some PB Blaster the entire job took less than 2 hours at home in the drive way.Good luck