HMPH! You say $500, my dealer is saying over $1100 for my 97 Ford Explorer. (maybe you were talking about 1?)
I now just use this car to travel back & forth about 2 miles to the beach on weekends. Any opinions about whether I can hold off on this?
: : : Has anyone ever had any problems with the explorer sport's ball joint for the steering wheel?
: : Apparently, there is a design flaw with the lower ball joints in atleast the 97-98 Ford Explorer. The seal compound deteriorates prematurely. My Explorer Sport has 60k, when it developed this incredible squeaking noise. Expect to pay $480 for a dealer to replace the lower ball joints.
: : Talk to the parts department at your dealer, you will find them stocking and selling many lower ball joints. My parts guy told me that Ford changed the part number, usually indicating a redesign part. But surprise surprise, no recall or willingness to help the consumer. Also intersting to note, they dropped the price of the lower ball joint to $18/ball joint. Go to an after market seller, $40-$50/ unit. Maybe this is Ford's way of helping the consumer.
: : Note the Hayes Manual will tell you that lower ball joints on the 1995 and later models are not servicable and require the replacement of the lower control arm. (NOT TRUE) Again, talk to your parts department, they are not replacing control arms, just the lower ball joints.
: : I did the job. If you are an adventurous backyard mechanic.... if you have more than a hammer and an adjustable wrench, you can probably do the job yourself. You'll need penetrating oil, 1 1/4 impact socket(6 points) for the wheel hub nut, a pickle fork, rent a ball joint press (auto parts store or places like Taylor Rental), snap ring pliars, and an afternoon. Essentially, you have to remove the steering knuckle in order to access the lower ball joint. Removing of the disk, requires removal of the caliper bracket. To do so, you will need to apply a propane torch to the bolts to release the lock-tite.
: : The dealership service people will tell you they will have to aline the front end, but it is not necessary if you do not adjust the tie rod end.
: : A Ford mechanic pulled me aside as I was leaving the garage and told me it takes 45 - 60 minutes to do the job for them.....yet they charge $480-$500 to do the job in the shop. Remember, the part is $18.
: Yep they are trying to get me for 2 of these damn things. The tech shows me about 1/16 " movement up & down on the tire with 80K miles on the vehicle.
....... I think it may have slipped a belt . If not the alignment is off . 
