Ball joints

[Doublechin]

Ball joints need replacing any tips or advice would be appreciated,first attempt at front end work!! Thanks.

 

[davidmmm69]

search there are so many write ups on replacing them...

 

[shaggsta]

Give yourself LOTS of time. Air tools help, as well.

 

[Tony H]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116126&highlight=tony

Give this a read

 

[Tony H]

You are going to need a Spindle puller (Spindle socket and Slide hammer)
You will need to undo the Boot clamp on the Passenger side axle so the axle will slide out.
If you are doing the lower, do the upper too. You need to get it out to reinstall the Lower one anyway.
IF it's the first time they were done,The Upper pinch bolt is a 12 point Bolt. Make sure you have the Socket for that.


Mark the Offset Washer thing under the pinch bolt with a Chisel or something so you put it back in the same position as it came off ( or your ailignment will be hosed).
Freeze the new ball joints overnight. Makes for a much easier installation.

Have you ever done Upper and lower Ball joints on any 4WD vehicle?

 

[davidmmm69]

http://www.haroh.com/explorer/ball_joint.html

 

[Tony H]

I assumed it was a 4WD drive vehicle

 

[davidmmm69]

the balll joints to replace are the same anyway right,, just on 2 wd drive less to remove to get ot them,,

 

[Tony H]

Tie rod end ball joints are basically identical. The Upper and Lowers.. different

 

[etc]

He's on a first gen, so that write up does't help.

 

[Brock94]

You are going to need a Spindle puller (Spindle socket and Slide hammer)

I'd hate to see anyone get discouraged from doing this because they think they need a lot of special tools. A spindle puller is nice to have for this job, but so is a 20-ton hydraulic shop press and any number of other professional tools. If the spindle gives you difficulty you can get it off with PB Blaster and a hammer and chisel like most of us.

The only "special tools" necessary for this job are a ball joint press ($50 from Harborfreight or free from AutoZone) and a pickle fork (about $10-$15)-- maybe a special socket to remove the spindle nut, but plenty of people have used slip-joint pliers for that (not pretty, but it'll get the job done.)

The necessary special tools are well within the savings in labor costs for this job, so it's a great DIY project.

 

[Doublechin]

Gentlemen you have been a wealth of information and I thank you greatly!I am looking forward to this job.All info #1.

 

[davidmmm69]

i was going to do mine this weekend because i was going to do spindlelift at the same time but i gave up on that idea.. so I am giving my explrer to my brother in law next week and he is taking it to school and they will replace my 4 ball joints among other things at his school next week..

 

[Brock94]

he is taking it to school and they will replace my 4 ball joints among other things at his school next week..

This is, in fact the best technique. No special tools required.