Ball joints

[boater32]

Does anyone know the best way to fix a dry ball- joint?

 

[etc]

Cheap way is to get a needle injector for your grease gun.

Correct way it to replace them with balljoints that have fittngs on them.

 

[pontiacdude]

i just used a needle tip yesterday but the boot pressurized and grease came squirting back out guess the right amount must have stayed in.what about the little hole left in the boot ?

 

[etc]

I hear people patch it up with a little silicone caulk.

When I did the needle thing on my tie rods, it sealed up on it's own. Hoorah for florida heat! =D

 

[kumaxlt]

Did you check to see if it is lose and needs to be replaced? I replaced mine last year. They were dry and making noise - thank goodness for the noise otherwise I wouldnt have checked them. Both lowers were very worn and loose. Be safe - check them...

 

[boater32]

I know this maybe a stupid question but how long did u go before replacing it?

 

[etc]

I went nearly 110K on the original ones. Day and night differnce when I did change them.

 

[kumaxlt]

I know this maybe a stupid question but how long did u go before replacing it?

Sorry it took so long - only like 70-80K. Our model of explorers are known for the lower joints going early...Since I had it all apart I did uppers and lowers. I was shocked how worn the lowers were - they moved a lot! Took me about 5 hours to change and Im not a true mechanic. It is a PITA so I dont recommend doing the labor unless you are somewhat mechanical.

 

[DurocShark]

Just curious- Will a "normal" ball joint separator pop these? Or does it require a press?

 

[NHale623]

Uppers or lowers? You can't replace the upper ball joints, you have to replace the entire control arm.

For the lowers, you'll need a press to remove and install the ball joint in the lower control arm.

 

[DurocShark]

Uppers or lowers? You can't replace the upper ball joints, you have to replace the entire control arm.

For the lowers, you'll need a press to remove and install the ball joint in the lower control arm.

Thanks. I was hoping to just once not need a press for ball joints.

 

[NHale623]

If you need a ball joint press, some auto parts stores will have them for loan or rent. Ask around.

 

[kumaxlt]

Auto Zone here in Cali lets you use the ball joint press. And yes, the uppers are attached to control arms. Although I did have a ball joint press I didnt use it. I did use the socket which fit the ball joint and tap/beat the ball joint out with a 3 lb hammer. Was also helpful in tapping the new one in... Wasnt real hard - just some patience... This may also be helpful:


http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137487&highlight=ball+joint

What he said about the first side taking much longer held true for me also...


Bought the parts here:

http://www.rockauto.com/?source=ford-trucks.com

I bought Moog - they have zerks and fit perfectly.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Just a tip: Place the new ball joints in the freezer for a couple hours before installation. They'll tap in much easier.