Bad ball joints
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Bad ball joints
I just figured out today that my ball joints are going bad on my 01 Ranger. I thought this was a little early, since I'm just under 49k. However, I do alot of off-roading and I guess they go bad a little quicker when you're subjecting your truck to a little more abuse. I've never done a job like this and was wondering what it would take? I've been considering buying a Chilton or Haynes manual for reference on these types of jobs. The tire shop down the street will replace them for $208 or at least that was their estimate. I think this is a pretty good deal, however I would like to try to tackle it myself. I have a couple questions regarding this subject:
1. I spend alot of time off-roading, what would you recommend to replace the stock ball joint?
2. How emergent is this work? How long can I drive with bad ball joints? When do I know that they need to be replaced asap.
3. Could I do this myself?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
1. I spend alot of time off-roading, what would you recommend to replace the stock ball joint?
2. How emergent is this work? How long can I drive with bad ball joints? When do I know that they need to be replaced asap.
3. Could I do this myself?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 0
From: Coastal North Carolina
First, do you have a warranty? I just had mine replaced on my 99 under the extended warranty.
I normally dont let anyone else mess with my truck, but since it was in there already for some warranteed engine work, i said OK. I dont remember exactly how much it was but i think it was less than $200. (Ill find the bill and post back for sure)
As for driving with them going bad, i dont think it is an emergency to have them replaced right away, but as soon as you feel that your truck is hard to keep on the road then get them replaced.
Sorry i cant be more specific, but im sure somone else can and will help.
BTW, Welcome to FTE!!
I normally dont let anyone else mess with my truck, but since it was in there already for some warranteed engine work, i said OK. I dont remember exactly how much it was but i think it was less than $200. (Ill find the bill and post back for sure)
As for driving with them going bad, i dont think it is an emergency to have them replaced right away, but as soon as you feel that your truck is hard to keep on the road then get them replaced.
Sorry i cant be more specific, but im sure somone else can and will help.
BTW, Welcome to FTE!!
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Thanks for the help 99. However, the vehicle isn't any warranty. I'm past the 3 year/36k limited warranty. I don't believe the extended warranty that you are talking about applies to my truck. I may be wrong. Where would I find a Chilton or Haynes manual to see what I need for tools for the job?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 0
From: MARYLAND
Yes you can do it yourself..they aren't too hard to do but a chilton's manual will help you along the way..telling you what needs to be removed in order to get to them. Offroading will cause them to wear out faster..especially the lower ball joints..they seem to wear first..but when you have it apart it's always best to do the uppers also as they take just as much abuse. When replacing them see if they come in heavy duty..or get the ones with limited lifetime warranty. Save the recipt and warranty them every once in a while 
I do...since i'm offroad more then regular streets. you will also need a ball joint removal tool or you'll never get the old ones out. First time doing these by yourself will take you some time. Good luck 
I do...since i'm offroad more then regular streets. you will also need a ball joint removal tool or you'll never get the old ones out. First time doing these by yourself will take you some time. Good luck
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Thanks for the help all, I ordered a Chilton manual today off of their website. It was $24 plus shipping. I hope it goes into detail on the job and the tools I will need, the ball joint removal tool for one. I'm probably going to tackle this job on some weekend when I get some time. Thanks again. 
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
Check out the link on doing the lower ball joints in the tech info thread at the top of the forum.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
My ball joints do not make any noise, except when I hit a bump and then they make a squeeking noise, but this isn't very noisy. I just notice that there is some play in the ball joints by moving the tire up and down when it is jacked up. I haven't noticed any noise associated with it. Is it okay to have some play from the ball joints? I know that when you notice some play that the ball joints are going bad, right.
New User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I have a 98 ranger super 2wd with 46,000 an have been experiencing a slight tapping noise for a while that I also feel in the steering wheel as I'm driving around during the day. I had to get two new tires on the rear, so I went to tire kingdom they told me, the tires need to be balanced, had it done, noise still there. I was changing the oil yesterday when I noticed the rubber on the lower ball joints on both sides was cracked pretty bad all around, upper ones look ok. I raised the truck up and noticed there is a very slight amount of play in the wheels, not much at all but it kinda pops a little when I pull it back and forth. Should I change them now or wait a little longer and does anyone know the motorcraftpart number for the lower ball joints? I think the tool you need to push the ball joints off is a pitman Arm puller. Also, do I need to use a Coil spring compressor?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 2
From: Northern Maine
Once ball joint starts to wear out, they have a tendency to get worse, fast. The little ball "hammers" inside its socket. The more it hammers, the more it wears. If you have just a little play now, in a very few thousand miles, it can get bad enough to be dangerous. (It also wears front tires) If you decide to wait on the repair, at least check it every few days (depending on how many miles you drive) There is a special tool available to do the job. (Available through JC Whitney) It is nothing more than a giant heavy duty aluminum C-Clamp with several adapters to fit different applications. Good luck,
Dan
Dan
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
95e150CW
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
13
Mar 21, 2012 11:17 AM
brian42
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
6
May 7, 2009 02:15 PM