E150 Ball Joints
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
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Second JWA. I have a socket about the size of the outer metal shell on the sway bar bushings and I put it on top of the old bushing and drive it out with a good sized hammer. The new shell-free moogs are much easier to install, only tapping with the hammer to get them in and the sway bar just slides in to them. A bit of grease on surfaces makes it easier.
Regarding ball joints, personally I find them to be too much of a pain in the butt. I've only tried one and it was many hours of messing around. I was lucky to get the old joints out after a lot of work. Repacking the wheel bearings is the least of your worries there. Maybe after doing a few of them I'd find the short cuts, but I decided to send them in to a shop to have them done by someone else these days. Always replace with high quality parts like Moog, so you only have to do it once.
Regarding ball joints, personally I find them to be too much of a pain in the butt. I've only tried one and it was many hours of messing around. I was lucky to get the old joints out after a lot of work. Repacking the wheel bearings is the least of your worries there. Maybe after doing a few of them I'd find the short cuts, but I decided to send them in to a shop to have them done by someone else these days. Always replace with high quality parts like Moog, so you only have to do it once.
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Junior User
Joined: May 2007
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Thanks for clearing that up JWA.
If I ever do this again I'm sure it'll go quicker. Took me awhile to get the first bushing out, as I already cleaned out most of the rubber core so there wasn't much left to push the sleeve out with. I borrowed this poster's idea , using a PVC bushing to force the worn OEM's out, but with most of the rubber already extracted, the PVC pushed right through the sleeve! The new bushings are in though, and its rewarding not having to hear that annoying rattle up front, over every dip and bump in the road..
..and thanks delgriffith for coming forth with the sobering advise on the ball joints. As with these bushings, its easy to underestimate all the potential snags that can trip up an otherwise smooth operation, and particularly a first timer.
As an alternative, I priced a new spindle assembly for $135.00 shipped, which comes with both ball joints installed. I would still have to transfer my old rotor, bearings, and brakes to the new one.
Not sure what both ball joints, and installation fees would be from a mechanic, but it would circumvent the headache.
If I ever do this again I'm sure it'll go quicker. Took me awhile to get the first bushing out, as I already cleaned out most of the rubber core so there wasn't much left to push the sleeve out with. I borrowed this poster's idea , using a PVC bushing to force the worn OEM's out, but with most of the rubber already extracted, the PVC pushed right through the sleeve! The new bushings are in though, and its rewarding not having to hear that annoying rattle up front, over every dip and bump in the road..
..and thanks delgriffith for coming forth with the sobering advise on the ball joints. As with these bushings, its easy to underestimate all the potential snags that can trip up an otherwise smooth operation, and particularly a first timer.
As an alternative, I priced a new spindle assembly for $135.00 shipped, which comes with both ball joints installed. I would still have to transfer my old rotor, bearings, and brakes to the new one.
Not sure what both ball joints, and installation fees would be from a mechanic, but it would circumvent the headache.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Ya know VanAK as a first timer in much of what I discuss that learning curve always seems steep---and it is especially with some of the stuff we're prone to ask about here. I personally think as we've individually stumbled through something like this we learn so much, tend to have good advice to share.
I can't even begin to remember how many simple tasks I've begun, estimated time to complete >1 hour---4+ later I'm barely even started!
But to your questions..........
What's your real level of experience with mechanical repairs? High confidence most things are DIY feasible with the proper tools and space? Are said tools and/or space available to you without time restrictions? How quickly does your van need to be returned to service?
One other question---the $135 spindle assemblies: new, take off's or imported items? Do the included ball joints have grease Zerks?
I can't even begin to remember how many simple tasks I've begun, estimated time to complete >1 hour---4+ later I'm barely even started!
But to your questions..........What's your real level of experience with mechanical repairs? High confidence most things are DIY feasible with the proper tools and space? Are said tools and/or space available to you without time restrictions? How quickly does your van need to be returned to service?
One other question---the $135 spindle assemblies: new, take off's or imported items? Do the included ball joints have grease Zerks?
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
..and thanks delgriffith for coming forth with the sobering advise on the ball joints. As with these bushings, its easy to underestimate all the potential snags that can trip up an otherwise smooth operation, and particularly a first timer.
As an alternative, I priced a new spindle assembly for $135.00 shipped, which comes with both ball joints installed. I would still have to transfer my old rotor, bearings, and brakes to the new one.
Not sure what both ball joints, and installation fees would be from a mechanic, but it would circumvent the headache.
As an alternative, I priced a new spindle assembly for $135.00 shipped, which comes with both ball joints installed. I would still have to transfer my old rotor, bearings, and brakes to the new one.
Not sure what both ball joints, and installation fees would be from a mechanic, but it would circumvent the headache.
I wouldn't hesitate to rent the press and get after it. Knowing how to do it is worth the hassle IMHO.
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Junior User
Joined: May 2007
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My real level of experience with repairs? Well these days I'll seriously consider most repairs that don't involve servicing anything within the heads or lower end, or basically anything that includes "new head gasket" on the parts list. As well as specialized stuff, alignments, electrical issues, frame bending. As for experience my last ride was from 1986, so I have no idea what emission, or computer related changes have taken place since. Confident? I get by, but don't generally use that term with this subject.
I have access to a decent supply of tools, between my own and those of my neighbor, who I just learned has a 20 ton press. My garage is set up for woodworking, welding, etc, but not housing a vehicle.
I have sufficient space to work on it outside, as it IS my only vehicle, which also dictates its road readiness to operate each Tuesday through Friday. As for the spindle assembly, its through Tasca Automotive Parts, and not sure if zerk fitted. I checked it out as an alternative, but I'll be attempting the whole enchilada. Tom believes the force is with me.
Its the lower left side ball joint. Need an alignment, and I doubt it can be done without replacing.
I have access to a decent supply of tools, between my own and those of my neighbor, who I just learned has a 20 ton press. My garage is set up for woodworking, welding, etc, but not housing a vehicle.
I have sufficient space to work on it outside, as it IS my only vehicle, which also dictates its road readiness to operate each Tuesday through Friday. As for the spindle assembly, its through Tasca Automotive Parts, and not sure if zerk fitted. I checked it out as an alternative, but I'll be attempting the whole enchilada. Tom believes the force is with me.
Its the lower left side ball joint. Need an alignment, and I doubt it can be done without replacing.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I agree with Tom's points but ask only to know if time, tools and space aren't issues. Given this is your daily driver (and me being a firm believer in the Peter Principle; that which can go wrong WILL go wrong......) You'll be under the gun to complete this ASAP.
Tasca via eBay seems to be a great supplier---I've come across them more than a few times looking for this or that. I'm guessing the spindles w/ball joints are take off pieces, perhaps new from the factory just never used? Either way that's a great alternative if you chose that way.
Otherwise like most of us have already said this isn't brain surgery and most likely it'll go fairly easy. Quite likely once finished you'll ask: "What's the BFD?"
Let us know how this turns out VAK!
PS: I'm rootin' for ya on this----hoping it goes much quicker and better than expected!
) You'll be under the gun to complete this ASAP. Tasca via eBay seems to be a great supplier---I've come across them more than a few times looking for this or that. I'm guessing the spindles w/ball joints are take off pieces, perhaps new from the factory just never used? Either way that's a great alternative if you chose that way.
Otherwise like most of us have already said this isn't brain surgery and most likely it'll go fairly easy. Quite likely once finished you'll ask: "What's the BFD?"
Let us know how this turns out VAK!
PS: I'm rootin' for ya on this----hoping it goes much quicker and better than expected!
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Joined: May 2007
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Thanks JW,
Space isn't much of a problem, although I "would" hear about a brokendown van simply rotting away in the driveway.
As for tools, I dont have many task specific tools, but ready access to generally a number of feasible workarounds.
A respectable set of SK sockets, combination wrenches, floor jack & jack stands, and my trusty 3 lb hammer. What I don't have my neighbor usually does.
Time otoh is my achilles heel. Without this van, a bicycle is my alternate mode of transportation, and work is too far away to pedal.
In fact I found out I have to work this weekend, so the operation got bumped to next.
Can't say I'm entirely disappointed, as it feels like I just washed off the grease from the swaybar bushings.
...and yes, admittedly an innate grease monkey I am not.
Space isn't much of a problem, although I "would" hear about a brokendown van simply rotting away in the driveway.
As for tools, I dont have many task specific tools, but ready access to generally a number of feasible workarounds.
A respectable set of SK sockets, combination wrenches, floor jack & jack stands, and my trusty 3 lb hammer. What I don't have my neighbor usually does.
Time otoh is my achilles heel. Without this van, a bicycle is my alternate mode of transportation, and work is too far away to pedal.
In fact I found out I have to work this weekend, so the operation got bumped to next.
Can't say I'm entirely disappointed, as it feels like I just washed off the grease from the swaybar bushings.
...and yes, admittedly an innate grease monkey I am not.
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