didn't move, it sits really tight in the lower arm. Any hints how to get it out?
lower ball joint replacement
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 4
From: PNW
lower ball joint replacement
Anybody done this job themselves? I'm contemplating it, but the Ford factory service manual doesn't cover this procedure. Ford expects you to replace the lower control arm with the ball joint pressed in as an assembly (similar to the top). Does a Haynes or Chilton or other manual cover lower ball joint replacement? What kind of special tools do I need to get the ball joint out of the lower control arm and do I need to remove the lower control arm? I've done the top ball joint which wasn't too bad, but I didn't need special tools, just a wrench and a drill.
I was going to take this to a shop until I found out the price. Besides that, I don't know if I can bear the thought of someone else getting his grubby hands on my baby. What can I say, I'm a jealous owner.
Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
I was going to take this to a shop until I found out the price. Besides that, I don't know if I can bear the thought of someone else getting his grubby hands on my baby. What can I say, I'm a jealous owner.
Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Mikeman
Anybody done this job themselves? I'm contemplating it, but the Ford factory service manual doesn't cover this procedure. Ford expects you to replace the lower control arm with the ball joint pressed in as an assembly (similar to the top). Does a Haynes or Chilton or other manual cover lower ball joint replacement? What kind of special tools do I need to get the ball joint out of the lower control arm and do I need to remove the lower control arm? I've done the top ball joint which wasn't too bad, but I didn't need special tools, just a wrench and a drill.
I was going to take this to a shop until I found out the price. Besides that, I don't know if I can bear the thought of someone else getting his grubby hands on my baby. What can I say, I'm a jealous owner.
Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
I was going to take this to a shop until I found out the price. Besides that, I don't know if I can bear the thought of someone else getting his grubby hands on my baby. What can I say, I'm a jealous owner.
Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
If your service manual does not cover it then throw the manual away, it is garbage. This is a general service task and is covered in the most basic automotive maintenance manuals, yes even in Chiltons and Haynes. I as a rule of thumb always replace the upper and lower as a set (not a requirement). There are ball joint tools that look similar to a 'C' clamp that will press the joint out of the arm. This tool is highly recommended that you have on hand. Makes it a lot easier that the typical Ford wrench (BFH).
I am curious as to how a drill was used to remove the upper ball joint. I have never used a drill during any of the untold ball joints I have replaced.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 1
From: Mitchell, SD
Originally Posted by EBTDM
I am curious as to how a drill was used to remove the upper ball joint. I have never used a drill during any of the untold ball joints I have replaced.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
I do not recall that on my '94. Maybe they started with the rivets in the newer models? If they were there they did not seem to be to much of a bother or else I would hope to have remembered that. The rivets must be one of Ford's 'Better Ideas'.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by tomucen
.............. Any hints how to get it out?
Oh! sorry confused you with the other guy. The press should do you.
Last edited by EBTDM; Jul 11, 2005 at 06:54 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
What press (model / where to obtain) would you recommend? Do you happen to have a weblink so I can see what it looks like? How much does such a tool cost?
Thanks for your help
and best regards,
Thanks for your help
and best regards,
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
I purchased mine from Harbor Freight years ago. There are various models and types and a few to a lot of adapter plates. All are pretty much just a type of 'C' clamp that you press the ball joint out and then back in the control arms. There are different adaptors because ball joints come in various sizes. Look for tools under various names from ball joint press to front end suspension kits. I think I paid about $20 although I believe I have seen them advertised in flyers for $50 on sale for $30. Try this link "http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=4065", same as mine but more adaptors.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 4
From: PNW
Originally Posted by EBTDM
I purchased mine from Harbor Freight years ago. There are various models and types and a few to a lot of adapter plates. All are pretty much just a type of 'C' clamp that you press the ball joint out and then back in the control arms. There are different adaptors because ball joints come in various sizes. Look for tools under various names from ball joint press to front end suspension kits. I think I paid about $20 although I believe I have seen them advertised in flyers for $50 on sale for $30. Try this link "http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=4065", same as mine but more adaptors.
If you buy a tool, take the replacement ball joint with you and make sure the adapter will work. I ended up having to put the whole mess back together without getting the job done because of that dang adapter.
New User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Thank you guys for replying to this post, even though it isnt mine. I was thinkin I was gonna have to pull the entire control arm off and bring it to a machine shop to have it pressed. This did not seem fun for me, nor did the thought of having to pay someone else to do it for me. With my newly found knowledge Im gonna go and barrow the press from my local Autozone, which I might add so conveniently did not mention was available to barrow till I found it on their website. Thanks again, Steve.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
Replaced mine on a 2wd about 5 months ago. Used the large C clamp press which you can get as a loaner from Auto Zone, or can buy outright at Harbor Freight. It is kind of tricky to figure out how use the attachments to press the bj out, but after looking at it a while the light bulb came on. You must have some sort of press to get it out, but it will come out and it is not too hard. Mine had 108,000 miles, 1996. I also changed the upper BJ. Now that is a job and it is well described if you do a search on this sight. I completely removed the upper control arm so I could get at the rivets more easily, and I also did the bushings. But if you do the upper, you have to support the car properly and carefully, because the UCA hold down bolts also hold the engine in place.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bbsitum
1997 - 2003 F150
1
Jul 16, 2015 05:12 PM
zzBUDD
2004 - 2008 F150
7
Feb 4, 2012 10:33 PM