Replacing upper ball joints
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Replacing upper ball joints
My 1995 E-150 has been diagnosed with worn upper ball joints that need to be replaced. Also referred to were some bushings that may need to be replaced. I have done alot of mechanical work, but never ball joints. Is this a trick that a backyard mechanic can pull off? What is the best way to approach it?
Thanks,
Kevin
Thanks,
Kevin
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Do you have control arm suspension or twin I-beam?
No ball joints on twin I beam.
Ball joints not for the beginner. (if you have them) They need to be installed in conjunction with a complete front end alignment--so you're going to pay for that anyway--let the shop do and be responsible for the whole thing.
But, back to the original question about twin I beam vs. control arms..... if they are telling you ball joints with twin I beams I'd find another shop.
No ball joints on twin I beam.
Ball joints not for the beginner. (if you have them) They need to be installed in conjunction with a complete front end alignment--so you're going to pay for that anyway--let the shop do and be responsible for the whole thing.
But, back to the original question about twin I beam vs. control arms..... if they are telling you ball joints with twin I beams I'd find another shop.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
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From: BC, Canada
Actually a 95 E-van has twin I-beams and ball joints.
They are pretty easy to replace if you have a ball joint press. Hopefully a local parts store would rent you a press.
I've done tons of ball joints so for me it's an easy job but I do think that most backyarders could do it if they are fairy mechanically inclined. For good instructions I would recommend that you pick up a shop manual for your van or check out http://www1.autozone.com/servlet/UiB...3d8017787b.jsp
Unless you disturb the upper ball joint adjusting cams, and you shouldn't have to, you will be ok without an alignment after as long as your alignment was good to start with.
They are pretty easy to replace if you have a ball joint press. Hopefully a local parts store would rent you a press.
I've done tons of ball joints so for me it's an easy job but I do think that most backyarders could do it if they are fairy mechanically inclined. For good instructions I would recommend that you pick up a shop manual for your van or check out http://www1.autozone.com/servlet/UiB...3d8017787b.jsp
Unless you disturb the upper ball joint adjusting cams, and you shouldn't have to, you will be ok without an alignment after as long as your alignment was good to start with.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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The job itself is not complicated, if you've replaced a wheel bearing or brake rotor you weren't far from what needs to be done. But it does require a special tool or a hydraulic press to replace the ball joints themselves.
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