94 Explorer 4X4 Ball Joints

[FJK]

Can anyone provide a link to an article that describes the steps to replacing upper & lower front ball joints on my 94 4x4? I've search the subject on this website, but have not been able to find any link or message. The steering wheel does not want to return to center after making a turn and I've heard this is probably bad lower ball joints. Any comments?
Thanks, FJK

 

[MrShorty]

Chilton's/Haynes are adequate for doing ball joints, though they won't tell you how to deal with seized on spindles. If a print copy of these manuals is too old fashioned, Autozone has put an electronic copy of Chiltons on their website www.autozone.com Many libraries will also carry auto repair manuals. You can also purchase Ford factory repair manuals on CD from ebay for ~$10.
The usual definitive test for ball joints is see if they "wiggle." Jack up the tire, have an assistant grab the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and wiggle it as hard as he/she can while you watch the ball joints. Any side to side play indicates the joint is worn out.

 

[VBVA]

I did some research on replacing my ball joints last summer and found that it would be to much for my dad and I to handle ourselves in the driveway. So I bought the parts for a little over $100, and had our local gas station mechanic do the labor. He charged me for two hours of labor, around $90 I think, and sent me on my way. It worked out better than paying $600+ at any other shop.

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

it really depends on how rusty stuff is,


i pulled the front-end of mine apart with no power tools, i used a lot lubricant and some heat and everything came apart ok, then i just took the spindles in and had new balljoints pressed in and i put everything back together myself and then had it aligned

 

[RangerX]

Here's a link. http://www.therangerstation.com/balljoints2.htm

 

[410Fortune]

This job is not too much for a dad and son to handle. You just need the right tools, which is a ball joint press with the correct adapters, you can rent for free at any auto parts store.

Ball joints are fun! hahahaha