Just replaced ball joints, few questions

[supernac]

Hi all, finally got around to replacing my ball joints/outer tie rods on my 93 4X4 (did all 4).
What a PITA.

First question:

When I come to almost a complete stop my ABS comes on, it weird, never did this before. I figure it has something to do with the front wheel speed sensors. I had a difficult time removing them. Does anyone know if the silver metal case is supposed to stay in the spindles? This happened on both sides.

Second:

My alignment is WAY off, I marked the length of the tie rods before installing the new ones, I knew it would be off, but when im driving straight, it practically looks like I’m making a right turn! Is it normal to be off by this much?? I also made sure the camber adjuster was installed the same way.

Third:

Is it normal to lose diff fluid out of the front when you remove the driver’s side axel? I noticed mine was leaking quit a bit; also the rubber seal came off the end when removing it. I'm not sure if its still leaking, its still dripping a little, but there was some fluid pooled up in the I beam, could just be that.

Thanks for your help!!

 

[NHRA]

Hay suprenac, My first time on here, I havent much time with abs! but as for front ends most anytime you change parts on them you need an alingment because it can be that far off and as for your axel when you removed that seal you probably wreaked it. anytime you pull that stuff off the axle the fuild will drain so check to make sure is not leaking and refill the differential.

 

[mrboyle]

Its not uncommon for gear oil to run out when you pull the axle out.

 

[supernac]

Now ive got another problem, my 4 wheel drive does not seem to be working.
I checked it when I got done yetserday, it seemed to work fine. This morning I tried it again, the light by the button comes on, I can hear the motor engage th 4x4, but the light on the dash does not come on. Any ideas??

Seems like I broke more than I fixed!!

 

[DeRocha]

Hi all, finally got around to replacing my ball joints/outer tie rods on my 93 4X4 (did all 4).
What a PITA.

First question:

When I come to almost a complete stop my ABS comes on, it weird, never did this before. I figure it has something to do with the front wheel speed sensors. I had a difficult time removing them. Does anyone know if the silver metal case is supposed to stay in the spindles? This happened on both sides.

Second:

My alignment is WAY off, I marked the length of the tie rods before installing the new ones, I knew it would be off, but when im driving straight, it practically looks like I’m making a right turn! Is it normal to be off by this much?? I also made sure the camber adjuster was installed the same way.

Third:

Is it normal to lose diff fluid out of the front when you remove the driver’s side axel? I noticed mine was leaking quit a bit; also the rubber seal came off the end when removing it. I'm not sure if its still leaking, its still dripping a little, but there was some fluid pooled up in the I beam, could just be that.

Thanks for your help!!

Congratulation on taking on a difficult job!

1) You should have left the aluminum front wheel speed sensors alone. They are fragile and any heavy banging can easily damage them. Did you remove the wheel speed sensors or just the ABS protector? Wheel speed sensors do not need to be removed in order to remove the spindle; You only need to remove the ABS sensor protector. If the ABS braking system keeps coming on (pulsing the brakes) you may want to remove the ABS fuse to disable the system.

2) Whenever ball-joints and tie rods are removed you will need to bring it in for an alignment. Even though you restored the camber bushings and tie rods to their original positions these positions are never 100% the same when new components are installed.

3) Yes it is normal to leak fluid from the driver's side diff when you let the TTB slope downwards. If you keep it level then you won't leak any or much fluid. Is the rubber seal the one that is pressed into the diff or the one that goes on the Stub axle next to the steering knuckle? When re-installing the axle shaft you need to carefully support it as it passes through the axle seal in the diff so it remains centered and lessons the chance of damaging the seal.

 

[DeRocha]

Now ive got another problem, my 4 wheel drive does not seem to be working.
I checked it when I got done yetserday, it seemed to work fine. This morning I tried it again, the light by the button comes on, I can hear the motor engage th 4x4, but the light on the dash does not come on. Any ideas??

Seems like I broke more than I fixed!!

If you press 4x4 and the button light come on but the dash 4x4 light doesn't then maybe the light is burnt out. When you drive a bit how does the front end feel? You should be easily able to tell if 4x4 is on or not.

 

[supernac]

Just got the truck back from the alignment shop, its driving good now. I had them balance and rotate the tires and top off the front diff for me as well.

The front diff doesn’t appear to be leaking anymore; it was the rubber seal that attaches to the stub that came off. I didn’t know it was suppose to have a seal on there until I pulled it back out (because it was leaking) and noticed the seal sitting inside the diff.

I removed the ABS sensor plus the protector, its the sensor that is attached with that annoying 12pt 6mm bolt (what’s with fords and 12pts?). I took it off so I could work on the ball joints at my workbench. The aluminum looking metal part that protrudes from the knuckle did not come out with the sensor, I think it should have. I removed the ABS relay in the engine compartment; it fixed the issue, so I know it’s the ABS doing it.

I had the shop test the 4 wheel drive, they said it worked in both hi and low, so not sure why the dash light isn’t coming on. I'm going to rest the computer when I get to the house. Would not having the ABS relay affect that light at all?

Thanks for your help!

 

[DeRocha]

I removed the ABS sensor plus the protector, its the sensor that is attached with that annoying 12pt 6mm bolt (what’s with fords and 12pts?). I took it off so I could work on the ball joints at my workbench. The aluminum looking metal part that protrudes from the knuckle did not come out with the sensor, I think it should have. I removed the ABS relay in the engine compartment; it fixed the issue, so I know it’s the ABS doing it.

As previously mentioned there is Zero need to remove the ABS sensor. You simply unplug the ABS wire harness from the frame connection and take the steering knuckle to your bench. In the pic below the steering knuckle still has the ABS sensor installed.

The ABS system doesn't intersect the 4x4 system. As such pulling the ABS relay or fuse will have no effect.. It could be something simple like the 4x4 light just burnt out...

 

[supernac]

Looks like it would of been alot easier to just unplug it, I'll know next time.
Could be an expensive mistake, there $50 each!
Checked the 4x4 this morning, now the lights are working again, guessed it fixed itself!