Hello all, I took my volvo in to Speedy Auto Service here in Canada to check a brake caliper (left front was overheating). They said the caliper looked fine but I needed two new front lower ball joints (with control arms) and one tie rod was loose--among other things. Totaling $1,100 CDN (approx $800US) in parts and labour.

Took the car to a friend of mine who knows about these things and had a look for ourselves. Took both wheels off, sprayed some liquid wrench on the suspect caliper pins, and couldn't wobble the rotor at all with a couple of lugs in place keeping the rotor in position on the hub--nothing indicated that the ball joints were worn. Grabbed both tie rods and couldn't get them to show any sign of being loose. Yanking them will all my strength couldn't product any motion at all.

Is there any other indicator that these parts need replacing? If the ball joints are worn, shouldn't that be indicated by some play in their connections?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. It sure would be nice if I didn't have to drop a grand on this problem.