Front end problem

[skid2964]

Just bought a used '04 Sport Trac 4x4 with 90K miles.

I am detecting a very slight mechanical noise coming from the front end at slow speeds. It doesn't seem to really get worse as I turn or speed up and the vibration is VERY slight. All feels normal at higher speed. I also noticed I have a slight negative camber on my driver side front wheel...

My assumption; I possibly have a bad upper or lower ball joint on the driver side causing negative camber and my wheel bearing is making a slight noise due to uneven loading?

Thoughts?

 

[swshawaii]

Chances are it's a bad driver side lower ball joint. Only way of diagnosing is to unload the suspension and inspect.
Place jack stands under the forward facing "hooks" on the lower control arms with the tires slightly off the ground.

"How To" threads for 1995-2001 Explorers - Stickys compiled
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386329

 

[mustang6878]

Thats EXACTLY how I first noticed my ball joints were bad. Not a difficult job to do, save yourself 800 smackers and do it yourself.

 

[skid2964]

I figured that's what it was and will inspect this weekend... just making sure my suspicions were correct. Sucks they wear out so quickly... My 1995 Ford F-150 still has the originals with 290,000 miles.

Whatever it is, I will be replacing them myself... any special tools needed? I will go look in the stickies for this info also...

 

[skid2964]

With this amount of miles (90K) is it ok to just replace the ball joints and not the whole control arm? I will inspect anyway to be sure...

 

[swshawaii]

That's what most people do providing the bushings are in good shape. Ball joints are not replaceable on original UPPER control arms.

http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_en1/MOOG_PS_Bulletin_27045_Ford_Truck_Control_Arms_En.pdf

 

[mustang6878]

The "flyin' Hawaiian" is correct. Moog replacement parts from Rock Auto is the only way to go.