Front end problem

[Colo4X4]

I hope this is the right area to post this so lets give her a try:

Here is the problem.
My wifes 1995 explorer XLT has an issue with the front passenger side tire. The camber is jacked up so that the tire bow out at the bottom causing extreme wear to the inside of the tire. Also along with this the steering wheel while driving has to be cranked way over to keep the car going straight from the pull. We have tried to have it aligned to no help. One shop told her it would be 5K to fix the problem, but wasent very clear on what the problem was. (think that shop was trying to pull a fast one on her) Either way we have a baby due in 2 weeks and this is the only car that will fit the baby seat so I am in desperate need of help on what the acutal problem might be so I can get this project going ASAP.

My thoughts are that it may be the upper control arm? The ball joint seals (covers) are all in great shape with no rips or tears so I am not so sure it is that. Also this started after she hit a curb, but I see no signs of anything being bent. So anyone have any ideas on this?

 

[Colo4X4]

I figured a few images of what I am seeing might help those with more knowledge then I...

 

[YountExplr]

check your ball joints. They are all likely worn out. To check the ball joints jack up the truck so that the front tire is about an inch or so off the ground. Then stick a crowbar or something under it and pry upwards. while doing this you should look for up and down play in both the upper and lower ball joints. Do both sides. Then put the truck back on both tires and then check the tie rod ends. This will require 2 people, have your helper turn the wheels while you look for play in the tie rod ends. I can almost guaranteed that all of your ball joints are shot as they look to be original which puts them at 14 years old lol. 5k is quite excessive but Id say most shops would charge 1-2k for everything unless there is a bigger problem.

You should replace all 4 ball joints (uppers and lowers) the whole UCA will have to be replaced as the OEM are a one piece design. You also should probably replace both the outer and inner tie rod ends.

 

[ThePhoenix]

even $1k is excessive. upper and lowers are quoted here in miami at $650ish...tie rods should be not too much more

 

[YountExplr]

wow that is super cheap. I got quoted about $200 for outer tie rod ends alone. The parts alone for the UCA's and the lower ball joints are about $300 lol. (if you go with moog)

 

[Colo4X4]

Just bought the UCA assembly, right side tierod, and lower balljoint for less then $200 at checker. However have a problem, how in gods name do you get the tierod end off the tierod upper????

 

[YountExplr]

there is a square on the tie rod end, put one wrench on that, then put another wrench on where the inner tie rod end is hexagonal (i think) and then twist to get off. I left my original locknut (or whatever it is) on the inner tie rod end so that my alignment isnt too messed up. Then thread the new one on.

 

[Colo4X4]

there is a square on the tie rod end, put one wrench on that, then put another wrench on where the inner tie rod end is hexagonal (i think) and then twist to get off. I left my original locknut (or whatever it is) on the inner tie rod end so that my alignment isnt too messed up. Then thread the new one on.

Okay thats what I thought and tried maybe I need to muscle up a bit more on it. LOL. I did put some penetrating oil on it to help loosen it up a bit so will give it a try today now that the oil sat over night.

 

[YountExplr]

I mess up on the direction all the time so make sure you are twisting the right way