What front suspension parts need replacement at 168k miles?

[SyberTiger]

While these repairs made most of the squeak and clank sounds go away I do notice some subtle creaking still. I assume the creaks (coming from the rear) are likely the old bushings in the upper or lower control arms. Maybe some WD40 or silicon lube sprayed up there might settle that?

 

[ExplorerRider]

My Mounty couldn't properly be aligned when I got new tires recently,
so they replaced the upper and lower control arms for both front tires.
They said the rears were ok. They also replaced the rear tie rods/compensators.
It does ride noticeably better now. But I have 252k miles.

The job was expensive, are you sure it needs to be done?
Unless you plan on keeping it for a long time, maybe you can hold off this time.
No one mentioned any alignment problems at 168k.

But if you do plan on keeping it, do it sooner than later.
Why spend all that money and only enjoy the improvement for a short time.

I've got an '05 Explorer w/155,000... You think replacing the ball joints w/some Moogs & leaving the control arms be would be alright???

 

[ExplorerRider]

I've got an '05 Explorer w/155,000... You think replacing the ball joints w/some Moogs & leaving the control arms be would be alright???

Also, I've got the ball joints that come on a set of new Mevotech sway bar/toe link assemblies for the rear... Do I need to replace any other rear ball joints?

 

[mountaineer2004]

I've got an '05 Explorer w/155,000... You think replacing the ball joints w/some Moogs & leaving the control arms be would be alright???

Yes. The first time, (~150k) a tire shop mechanic replaced all the control arms, except for the lower rears (just ball joints there).
Second time, different mechanic shop is replacing the front ball joints and keeping the control arms. I'm not sure it really matters.

Also, I've got the ball joints that come on a set of new Mevotech sway bar/toe link assemblies for the rear... Do I need to replace any other rear ball joints?

At your mileage, they probably all need replacing. Do the tests for a bad ball joint and go from there.

 

[ExplorerRider]

Yes. The first time, (~150k) a tire shop mechanic replaced all the control arms, except for the lower rears (just ball joints there).
Second time, different mechanic shop is replacing the front ball joints and keeping the control arms. I'm not sure it really matters.

At your mileage, they probably all need replacing. Do the tests for a bad ball joint and go from there.

Oh, I've got all 4 Moog ball joints RN, & Mevotech Premium rear tie rod assemblies - which I'm sure I don't gotta tell you - they come w/the ball joints & toe links at either end. What abt inner & outer tie rods themselves, up front??? Should I spring for those as well? I've got new tires & Motorcraft TPMS sensors I'm replacing, & these white-letter GT Radials have seemed to build a reputable name for themselves, particularly the ones made in South Carolina, & I wanna get max life out of them. Thoughts??? (And ty for the initial reply BTW)

 

[mountaineer2004]

Oh, I've got all 4 Moog ball joints RN, & Mevotech Premium rear tie rod assemblies - which I'm sure I don't gotta tell you - they come w/the ball joints & toe links at either end. What abt inner & outer tie rods themselves, up front??? Should I spring for those as well? I've got new tires & Motorcraft TPMS sensors I'm replacing, & these white-letter GT Radials have seemed to build a reputable name for themselves, particularly the ones made in South Carolina, & I wanna get max life out of them. Thoughts??? (And ty for the initial reply BTW)

You're welcome. If you're planning on keeping the vehicle for a while, then yes, I'd replace the front tie rods at this mileage.

 

[ExplorerRider]

You're welcome. If you're planning on keeping the vehicle for a while, then yes, I'd replace the front tie rods at this mileage.

Much appreciated

 

[ExplorerRider]

Much appreciated

Sorry to bother ya again, but from every video I've watched, it doesn't seem too difficult, except all of them seem to show simply replacing the inner tie rod end & the outer as well. Can I get by w/this so long as my actual threaded rods are in good shape? Thnx again.

 

[mountaineer2004]

Sorry to bother ya again, but from every video I've watched, it doesn't seem too difficult, except all of them seem to show simply replacing the inner tie rod end & the outer as well. Can I get by w/this so long as my actual threaded rods are in good shape? Thnx again.

No bother. Not sure what you mean. I'd change everything at once while I'm in there. Don't the front tie rods come with new threaded rods?

If pressed for time or money, just replace the outers for now. For maximum tire life, I'd get an alignment afterward.

^ 2005 explorer front outer tie rod

^ 2005 front inner tie rod

 

[ExplorerRider]

No bother. Not sure what you mean. I'd change everything at once while I'm in there. Don't the front tie rods come with new threaded rods?

If pressed for time or money, just replace the outers for now. For maximum tire life, I'd get an alignment afterward.

View attachment 462071
^ 2005 explorer front outer tie rod

View attachment 462072
^ 2005 front inner tie rod

Oh shoot! Okay! You gotta forgive me... These 3rd Gen Explorers w/4×4 have been a LEARNING EXPERIENCE for me! I see now. Very similar to the so-called "rear tie rod ends," which I have 2 new Mevotechs for RN... And yes, after all new ball joints, tie rods & tires, a full 4-wheel alignment will definitely be happening! Thnx again