How to replace your Super Duty Ball Joints - Page 8

uponyou21 · #**106** (**permalink**) 05-20-2007, 08:07 PM

great write up Racerguy did mine this weekend end only problem i had was the stud that holds the hub assembly in place was seized that took some time to do other then that not bad decided since i had the truck apart went and bought new rotors and pads

FYREDAWG · #**107** (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 12:02 AM

Everything was going fine with the ball-joint replacement until I replaced the outer thrust washers and attempted to put the snap ring back on. I could not get the snap ring back into the groove. I tried everything I could think of to pry the axle out to get the snap ring into the groove but no luck. I thought maybe the nuckle seal was not pressed all the way on but I checked and it seemed to be pressed all the way on.
Ideas???
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Ralph

99 F250 PS 4x4.

uponyou21 · #**108** (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 05:03 PM

get a bigger pry bar to get the axle out more!!

FYREDAWG · #**109** (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 12:06 PM

I clamped a vise grip to the end of the axle and used that as a purchase point to pry the axle out enough for the snap ring to pop into place. Worked like a champ.

mgf250 · #**110** (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 02:47 PM

Are the four nuts securing the hub assembly completely tightened? Did you use a home made seal installer, you may have pressed just a tad too far?

Dirtfarmer69 · #**111** (**permalink**) 06-02-2007, 11:00 PM

Ok guys, I followed all the directions and installed everything today. While I was testing everything, the truck makes some strange sounds while in 4wd. Everything went according to plan until it came time to install the knuckle seal. I used the homemade seal driver and may have sligltly deformed the seal. Is it supposed to seat perfectly flat? thanks.

Dirtfarmer69 · #**112** (**permalink**) 06-03-2007, 08:50 AM

I didn't feel too comfortable whacking the seal with the driver. IF I was to take the axles to the dealer, how do they get them on? I imagine that they have a jig that fits in the press.

Could I have bent the axles whacking the seal on there?

Kenwood · #**113** (**permalink**) 06-03-2007, 02:43 PM

your doing something wrong if your concerned about bending an almost 2" axle made of hardened steel by installing a sheet metal stamped rubber surrounded seal. It doesnt take much to get the seal on the axle.. essentially all your trying to overcome is the Blue sealant... I used a regular hammer and about 5 hits and mine was on and flush..

Kenwood · #**114** (**permalink**) 06-03-2007, 02:48 PM

As far as the seal sitting flush it should be close.. I just referenced the factory installed depth..

Did you clean where the old seal was...as in knock the rust off with some light sandpaper.

Sounds like you forced it on when it was not square.. Usually I lightly tap the seal to get it started straight.. Then I hit it a couple of times hard and its on there..

As far as the noise goes.. Are you 100% sure that you got the SNAP RING in the groove in the axle??? I know that you have to pry the axle outward to expose the slot for the snap ring...

Dirtfarmer69 · #**115** (**permalink**) 06-03-2007, 03:46 PM

Thanks guys. Here is an update. I took everything apart and re-checked everything. Once back together, I spun the wheels off the ground by hand and found nothing wrong, so I took it on the road and no problems. The squeaks are 99.9% gone. I'm happy now. Thanks for the replies. I guess I was rushing while putting everything back together.

Want-A-Be 7.3 · #**116** (**permalink**) 06-09-2007, 10:54 PM

I started the ball joint replacement today, going well, took a little extra time as the best way to remove axel/seal, about 2.5 hours for right side for tear down learning curve, about .5 hour for left side once I knew how it goes, pressed out old ball joints and in new in machine shop at work (they have all the cool tools, hydraulic floor press, metal lathe, to turn correct size press drivers) that part gone smooth, reassemble Sun. or Mon.

Want-A-Be 7.3 · #**117** (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 02:06 PM

Finished today and found the informaton onhow to be very usefull, thanks.

cudajim · #**118** (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 02:50 PM

Well, now its my turn to do this. I am trying to find the parts, what supply houses have the whole bundle in one Kit. I would like to upgrade the balljoints to ones that I can lube if possible.

biz4two · #**119** (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cudajim

Well, now its my turn to do this. I am trying to find the parts, what supply houses have the whole bundle in one Kit. I would like to upgrade the balljoints to ones that I can lube if possible.

Take a quick look at post #91. I am sure it was mentioned in other posts too, but I found it there...and stopped looking.

biz

yamaguy · #**120** (**permalink**) 08-15-2007, 01:34 AM

just subscribing