Newbie with a balljoint question
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New User
Joined: Jun 2004
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Newbie with a balljoint question
Hello everyone!Since im new to the board let me tart by sayin hello to everyone and anyone.Im the proud owner of a 91 explorer sport 4wd with 198,000 miles.I paid $250.00 for this baby.The interior is in excellent condition.The outside is a different story.I took it muddin one day and well it was the worst ive ever went through.I ended up flyin through a swamp to try to get out and i flew about 2 feet in the air.When I hit i landed in the deepest spot that swamp had to offer and the explorer stalled and wouldent start.I let it sit for a hour then went back and it started right up and pulled right out.The water was about a inch form the top of the tires.I had swamp water coming inside the passengers side door lol.Ever since when i go in reverse my wheels do this /--\ and the straighten back up when i go forward.I know its my ball joints and i have done numerous searches on this topic and found nothing.Im hopin somone can help me out with a write up or how to on this subject so i can get her back on the road.I have a daily driver but I rather drive the explorer lol.I have some mechanical knowledge and I do feel I can do it myself but before i jump into deep water and tear everything apart I would like to know what im getting into.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
Biggest difficulty is getting the spindle off of the steering knuckle. Due to age, heat, and rust it can get pretty seized on there. My Explorer wasn't too bad, a few real good whacks with a soft faced mallet and the spindle came off. My BII, on the other hand, took a few days of beating on it before it came off (and even then it was more by accident/cheating that I got it off).
Other potential hangup is to have the alignment bushing be seized into the steering knuckle or onto the upper balljoint. I've read that a pitman arm puller is good for pulling it out if it's jammed in there.
Other than that, the procedure in Haynes/Chiltons was adequate for me to get the job done. If you don't have a print copy, or print manuals are too "passe" then check out the electronic version of Chiltons at www.autozone.com under repair info -- vehicle specific repair guides.
And, one thing to consider: while you have the front end dissassembled, it would be a good time to at least check the front axle u-joints and replace them if needed, while you have them out.
Other potential hangup is to have the alignment bushing be seized into the steering knuckle or onto the upper balljoint. I've read that a pitman arm puller is good for pulling it out if it's jammed in there.
Other than that, the procedure in Haynes/Chiltons was adequate for me to get the job done. If you don't have a print copy, or print manuals are too "passe" then check out the electronic version of Chiltons at www.autozone.com under repair info -- vehicle specific repair guides.
And, one thing to consider: while you have the front end dissassembled, it would be a good time to at least check the front axle u-joints and replace them if needed, while you have them out.
