Ball joints

[Tom W]

i have a 1996 Explorer XL. The ball joints are needing replacement at 69,000 kms !
(long story, I think they were contaminated with power steering fluid at the dealership). Anyway, does anyone know if you can install grease fittings on the upper and lower ball joints ? Is it a matter of drilling a hole and screwing in a fitting ? Anyone done this. (the original ones are "sealed").
Thanks,
Tom W

 

[Tom W]

Thanks for the reply. Did you replace the ball joints only or the upper control arm as a unit ?
Dealer does want to talk about the possibility of just the ball joints. I have a 1967 mustang and the also came as a unit but now you remove rivets and bolt on the ball joint.
Thanks,
Tom W

 

[Kevin Loughran]

I just replaced the upper and lower ball joints last weekend. Fun fun fun ! Yet another common problem with the TTB. You said power steering fluid? How did that get in there? Well if you do it yourself take my advice and have them pressed in by a shop. It only cost me $20.00 and saved me tons of time.


Kevin L

 

[Brian1]

I just had the ball joints replaced on my 91 Explorer. The replacement ball joints for the lower part have grease fittings on them, as for the top - they don't. If you do replace them you can get the lower ones with the grease fittings.

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Brian
91 XLT 4x4

 

[DOGMAN]

Tom,

I replaced all four ball joints at about 200,000 miles on my one owner 91 in July 1999. They ALL came with grease fittings, upper and lower. I'm not sure of the brand of the replacements, but my best guess would be that they're MOOG.

After the new ball joints were installed, the front end was as good as new, so it was definitely worth it.

DOGMAN

 

[Francis]

Get some aftermarket ball joints.. About everyones have grease-fitting... I don't remenber the brand but get info at an autoparts...




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Francis
92 Sport 4X4
88 Bronco II 4X4