Lower ball joint question.

[orange_exploder]

I did a search but couldn't find an answer to my ball joint question. I'm trying to replace my drivers side lower ball joint on my 2001 Explorer Sport 4X4. I need to know if there is any way to get the ball joint out without removing the drive axel which goes right over top of the ball joint.

Thanks.

 

[Jamieh560]

This is what I did...... Remove the CV nut then place jack under the control arm as close to the wheel as possible...... Then remove tire, caliper, rotor, caliper anchor plate(2 bolts) , tierod and hub assembly(3 bolts)...... Remove the cotter pin and nut on balljoint stud.... then using a balljoint seperater, free stud from steering knuckle.... Then you can move it to the side and have room to work with a press or hammer... Drive the balljoint out of the control arm. When installing the new one you will need a pipe or something the same size as the outer edge of the balljoint to drive it in....

Hope this helps..... Good luck

 

[timmac06]

I did mine not that long ago. I removed the nut, seperated the ball joints and removed the whole spindle. Then the axle moves out of the way. btw I didn't remove the hub from the spindle. I would suggest using the correct tools. like a ball joint press.