Front Strut Bearings (2) Replaced | Page 4 | Ford Explorer Forums

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Front Strut Bearings (2) Replaced

Do you have the Motorcraft part number for the ball bearing alternative? I had a mechanic replace front strut assemblies twice with the plastic bearings and both sets began binding and making noise when turning within 100 miles of install. Hoping the ball bearing version is the fix.
The part is the part. Depending on year there is only one replacement. I don't remember the number. After having done it again after 120k miles, I looked at one of the original ones I had around and they had ball bearings, but it was unsealed in plastic case, same as the replacement. It may have had metal for the ball's to run on.
 






unless I missed the diagram - all models have a plastic ring captured ball bearing under the strut mounts. The only difference is at some point they moved to a bigger ball diameter and new rings. which I think is the difference in part numbers. But I don't know for certain. The OD of that set is the same as the original which would make them interchangeable.

Finally all models will have a bearing and some rubber mount piece - it is feasible the same rubber and bearing is equal on all models including the Police utility and interceptor models.

NOTE - police suspension is similar to the sport suspension in that ride height is that one inch or so lower but the spring rate is calibrated for the nominal weight of the police package model which is a few hundred lbs heavier than any other explorer model If I recall correctly they start at 5130 lbs - assuming lights, barrier, heavier motor set, bull bars, etc. personally without that weight on board I would be looking for sport package sway bars - and struts and springs if they are different part numbers. I would not put the policy utility parts on without the extra weight mostly because of how it would affect the ride quality - it will be jouncy at the lighter weight. My 0.03
 






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