Just a heads up to all 03 owners

[03AZExploder]

The next time you guys have either of your front tires off, or if you're doing the brakes, take a good look at the brake hose that connects at the top of the wheel well and runs down and connects at the side of the caliper. Both of mine burst within 3 months of each other, and makes the drive home really bad. Easy to replace, once you find the correct part. The factory part looks a lot different than the replacement part, and most places only stock one side for whatever reason. Just something to keep an eye on!

 

[03explorerL]

Thanks for the heads up... I'll have to peek at that when I do the upper ball joints.

 

[imp]

Thanks for the heads up... I'll have to peek at that when I do the upper ball joints.

Speaking of those ball joints: I just did mine. Both had torn seals on them, neither felt worn out. The threads stating they may be hammered out with upper arm in place, no friggin' way could mine have been done! I hit the first side a couple good hammer blows, then removed the arm and ball in it. Hydraulic press using proper-sized 3/4" drive sockets for support, the first took 6 tons to get it to move, the second easier. New joints went in easier, the second not tight enough to suit me, so I "up-raised" metal in several places on the part of the joint prottruding down below the arm, using a sharp cold chisel about 1/2" wide.

I could see that this job could easily result in a bent/distorted arm, which would adversely affect alignment when put back. Pay close attention to support and pressing of the balls. imp