Front End Issues ASAP

XLimited · 10-23-2004, 11:08 AM

I'm having a few problems in my front end and I need to make a trip to the auto parts store and there only open for another hour. The front end the shocks are gone up front I know that. The steering wheel if you make a turn its kinda of harder then should be and when you let go it starts to go back to center then it hangs up and I have to turn it back to center, I'm thinking axel joints are bad since The vehical sat for a while. The tires are wearing really bad on the inside, The tires lean out like this / \ but not that bad of course just so you got a visual lol, And there is also movement when you move the tire right and left, i"m thinking ball joints? Need help asap Thank you

**DeRocha** · 10-23-2004, 02:10 PM

I sounds like you need new ball joints and U-Joints @ the wheels. Have you replaced them before (or in any vehicle?) It is a lot of work and requires some speciale tools (some are a free rental from AutoZone etc).

XLimited · 10-23-2004, 03:16 PM

Well I went out and bought three new front Axel Joints and Upper and Lower Ball Joints. I haven't messed with this much. Ok What kind of special tools do I have to look for? I do have some mechanic Knowledge, I dont' think i'm going to replace the center Axel Joint, Just the ones at the wheels. Thanks

**DeRocha** · 10-24-2004, 10:56 AM

Check out my sig line regarding how to use the "C" clamp tool to replace the U-joints. This same tool is used to install Ball joints. You'll find lots of by searching on ball joints, spindle, u-joints etc.. The biggest pain was removing the spindles. I spent alot of time driving screwdrivers around the spindle lip to force it off...

10-23-2004, 11:08 AM	#1
XLimited Wannabe Elite Explorer Mohawk, Michigan 1993 Limited 4x4 Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 95 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Front End Issues ASAP I'm having a few problems in my front end and I need to make a trip to the auto parts store and there only open for another hour. The front end the shocks are gone up front I know that. The steering wheel if you make a turn its kinda of harder then should be and when you let go it starts to go back to center then it hangs up and I have to turn it back to center, I'm thinking axel joints are bad since The vehical sat for a while. The tires are wearing really bad on the inside, The tires lean out like this / \ but not that bad of course just so you got a visual lol, And there is also movement when you move the tire right and left, i"m thinking ball joints? Need help asap Thank you

10-23-2004, 02:10 PM	#2
DeRocha NEX Vice President Brockton, MA '93 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 6,641 Vehicle Specs	I sounds like you need new ball joints and U-Joints @ the wheels. Have you replaced them before (or in any vehicle?) It is a lot of work and requires some speciale tools (some are a free rental from AutoZone etc). __________________ John D-"Search first, Ask questions later" & "You can have my Explorer when you pry the keys from my cold dead hands." <<<Forum Rules >>>My Truck 4x4 Trouble Shooting Guide See how cars work Axle and tire calculators U-joint replacement info/pics Repair info NEX-New England Explorers NEX: Club Events

10-24-2004, 10:56 AM	#4
DeRocha NEX Vice President Brockton, MA '93 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 6,641 Vehicle Specs	Check out my sig line regarding how to use the "C" clamp tool to replace the U-joints. This same tool is used to install Ball joints. You'll find lots of by searching on ball joints, spindle, u-joints etc.. The biggest pain was removing the spindles. I spent alot of time driving screwdrivers around the spindle lip to force it off... __________________ John D-"Search first, Ask questions later" & "You can have my Explorer when you pry the keys from my cold dead hands." <<<Forum Rules >>>My Truck 4x4 Trouble Shooting Guide See how cars work Axle and tire calculators U-joint replacement info/pics Repair info NEX-New England Explorers NEX: Club Events

10-23-2004, 03:16 PM	#3
XLimited Wannabe Elite Explorer Mohawk, Michigan 1993 Limited 4x4 Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 95 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Well I went out and bought three new front Axel Joints and Upper and Lower Ball Joints. I haven't messed with this much. Ok What kind of special tools do I have to look for? I do have some mechanic Knowledge, I dont' think i'm going to replace the center Axel Joint, Just the ones at the wheels. Thanks