96eb96
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- October 20, 2004
- Messages
- 3,525
- Reaction score
- 325
- City, State
- Albany, NY
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 96 EB V6 OHV 4WD
I was considering changing balljoints due to some vertical movement(screwdriver test/or tire iron under the wheel when LCA is supported). However, I realized that this is NOT the right way to check Explorer Ball Joints, and many are probably implicated in this manner. A dealer confirmed this, and here are two other sources:
From a state inspection manual:
Pg 14/ states Explorer Ball J SHOULD NOT be checked vertically (as per (c) foot note). Only horizontal movement with a dial micrometer (.031" = 1/32" or a bit under a mm) is a tiny amount of horizontal play. It may be hard to tell by eye, but ANY horizontal play you see means to replace).
www.aot.state.vt.us/DMV/documents/Manuals/Inspection/BallJointWearTolerances.pdf
Ford Service Manual:
WARNING: sic <shut off the air suspension>
Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .
Prior to performing any inspection of the ball joints, inspect the front wheel bearings (1216).
Position a safety stand beneath the front suspension lower arm (3079) to be tested.
While an assistant pulls and pushes the bottom of the tire, observe the relative movement between the lower spindle arm and the front suspension lower arm ball joint (3050). Any movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged lower ball joint. Install a new ball joint as necessary.
While an assistant pulls and pushes the top of the tire, observe the relative movement between the upper spindle arm and the front suspension upper ball joint. Movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged upper ball joint or loose pinch bolt joint. Tighten pinch bolt and nut as necessary. Install a new upper ball joint as necessary
Ball Joint Radial Play
Lower ball joint — maximum 0.8 mm
(1/32 in.)
Upper ball joint — maximum 0.8 mm
(1/32 in.)
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There is nothing here about screwdrivers or up and down movements. I guess you can consider changing Ball Joints a PM or peace of mind item if they are replaced for up and down movement.
From a state inspection manual:
Pg 14/ states Explorer Ball J SHOULD NOT be checked vertically (as per (c) foot note). Only horizontal movement with a dial micrometer (.031" = 1/32" or a bit under a mm) is a tiny amount of horizontal play. It may be hard to tell by eye, but ANY horizontal play you see means to replace).
www.aot.state.vt.us/DMV/documents/Manuals/Inspection/BallJointWearTolerances.pdf
Ford Service Manual:
WARNING: sic <shut off the air suspension>
Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .
Prior to performing any inspection of the ball joints, inspect the front wheel bearings (1216).
Position a safety stand beneath the front suspension lower arm (3079) to be tested.
While an assistant pulls and pushes the bottom of the tire, observe the relative movement between the lower spindle arm and the front suspension lower arm ball joint (3050). Any movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged lower ball joint. Install a new ball joint as necessary.
While an assistant pulls and pushes the top of the tire, observe the relative movement between the upper spindle arm and the front suspension upper ball joint. Movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged upper ball joint or loose pinch bolt joint. Tighten pinch bolt and nut as necessary. Install a new upper ball joint as necessary
Ball Joint Radial Play
Lower ball joint — maximum 0.8 mm
(1/32 in.)
Upper ball joint — maximum 0.8 mm
(1/32 in.)
----
There is nothing here about screwdrivers or up and down movements. I guess you can consider changing Ball Joints a PM or peace of mind item if they are replaced for up and down movement.