balljoint removal
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: People's republic of MA
There is an axle seal that the stealership tries to charge you ~$50 for... I argued and got mine down to 31 and change. It's what holds the axle in the knuckle and is a royal, and I mean ROYAL pain in the hoo-hah if you don't have the seal driver... there are a few threads about it if you search, but to get the axle out, you more or less have to destroy the seal that is in there... Also, be careful, VERY careful pulling and replacing the axle as there is a seal inside the diff that chips easily (ask me how I know) and as a result, will allow fluid to drip out the ends of axle if it is chipped. I still have to fix mine and I'm not looking forward to it. There's a really good write up with pictures floating around somewhere, I'll check but if I recall it was a sticky at the top of this forum. Hope this helped.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: People's republic of MA
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...l+joint+how+to
If you haven't been ^^^ yet.. check it out, it has pictures step by step as well as a picture of a homemade seal driver. Good luck
If you haven't been ^^^ yet.. check it out, it has pictures step by step as well as a picture of a homemade seal driver. Good luck
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 475
Likes: 1
From: La Habra, CA
A local shop pressed out the old ball joints and pressed in the new ones for $40 both sides. The also installed the seals. Check around, most of the labor is taking everything apart and putting it back together.
After screwing around with the ball joint press I have, which is just a tad too small, it was the best $40 I've spent.
Eric
After screwing around with the ball joint press I have, which is just a tad too small, it was the best $40 I've spent.
Eric
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: People's republic of MA
etc makes a good point... If you can find someone to press the new seals on for a reasonable price, definately go for it. Unless you have the seal driver, you will probably destroy one seal trying to get it on... Just spend the money and have someone do it. Trust me
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New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
GOOD NEWS...... I found the link listed above. I have managed to disassemble everything up to disconnecting the tie rod end. Nut spins the bolt. Got late tonight, so I will use a clamp to add a little resistance on the joint in the morning. THANKS RACERGUY. The step by step how to was the best.
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