Upper ball joint
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
From: Port Alberni
Upper ball joint
I have to replace an upper ball joint on my 89 F250 4x4.I"ve never done these before.Is this something I can do myself or am I better off taking it to a shop.But any tips would be great.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 14
From: West Cornwall, CT
You can do the job yourself if you can get a decent manual and the special tools needed.
Basically you need to remove the brake calipers and tie them out of the way. Then remove the 4WD hubs (special socket wrench) and bearings.
Next remove the spindles. This can be a bear of a job and a slide hammer with the right adapters will save hours of labor.
Remove the front axle stub shafts. Refer to your manual when doing this.
Remove the ball joint fasteners and remove the ball joints. This takes some real effort and the right tools.
Install the new ball joints (do both the upper and lowers). Install the stub shafts and spindles. Use new seals and at least new inner spindle bearings while you are in there.
Reinstall the hubs and wheel bearings and adjust them correctly. Install the hubs and brake calipers. Check out your front brakes while you are doing all this work - now is the time to replace them if needed.
Try the search function on this site. There are some decent instructions here written by savy folk who have done this job several times.
Lou Braun
Basically you need to remove the brake calipers and tie them out of the way. Then remove the 4WD hubs (special socket wrench) and bearings.
Next remove the spindles. This can be a bear of a job and a slide hammer with the right adapters will save hours of labor.
Remove the front axle stub shafts. Refer to your manual when doing this.
Remove the ball joint fasteners and remove the ball joints. This takes some real effort and the right tools.
Install the new ball joints (do both the upper and lowers). Install the stub shafts and spindles. Use new seals and at least new inner spindle bearings while you are in there.
Reinstall the hubs and wheel bearings and adjust them correctly. Install the hubs and brake calipers. Check out your front brakes while you are doing all this work - now is the time to replace them if needed.
Try the search function on this site. There are some decent instructions here written by savy folk who have done this job several times.
Lou Braun
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: geneva IL
did mine 2 weaks ago pick up a haynes repair manual and rented the ball joint press from the auto parts store it wasn't that bad also have some map gas you will need to put some heat on the old ball joints. it made it easier giting loose and you need a 4 pin socket to get the 2 nuts loose in the hub you can git that also at your auto parts store and some will rent it to you.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Blueheart
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
1
Dec 22, 2011 06:41 PM
bill6302
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
1
Jun 2, 2005 07:22 PM
