Can anyone tell me the size of the socket it takes for the front axle nut on the 2000 Ford Explorer? It is a all wheel drive vehicle. I think it is an 1-1/4 inch but I am not sure it might be metric. I want to besure to get the right size scoket. Also are they right hand thread on both sides. I am going to have to revove them to replace the lower ball joints.

Jerry

 

32mm. Right hand threads, both sides. Those nuts are single use, you should not reuse them.

Are you sure you need to remove them to replace ball joints?

 

Thanks for the information. No I am not sure I have to remove them but of things I have read I under stand to get to the ball joints on 4 wheel drive the hubs must be removed. I do have a repair manual coming and maybe it will show better how to replace the lower ball joints. I have a ball joint press kit. I just need to know how the best way is to get to them to press them out. Any help would be appreciated.

Jerry

 

Knock the old joints out and use press to put new ones in

 

If you take the nut off the bottom of the ball joint is it possible to jack the bottom A frame up enough to press the old ball joint out? I am sure a lot has to be dismantle to have room to press the old ball joint out. Looks to me like the spindle has to be moved out to have room to press the ball joint out. Maybe on the two wheel drive there would be room to press the joint out. This is on a four wheel drive.

 

I've only done it one time about 2 yrs ago and kinda vague now. I had a loaner press and I picked the press size from an assortment that fit my new ball joints and it was different size where the tool fits from the old ball joints. After talking to my mechanic friend he said "we just knock them out with a hammer". It worked fine and I used the correct press size to install new ones. I can't remember if I removed the big nut or not. I did loosen the nut on the top joint to gain room. I didn't have a book so just kinda figured it out as I went.
Mine is 4wd also.

 

I just received a Haynes Repair Manual, which is worthless. It tells Balljoints - removal and installation on 1991 through 1994. It says 1995 and later models the balljoints on the upper and lower contol arms are not removable or serviceable. If balljoint is damaged or worn, replace the control arm. Now I know people have been replacing them. Has anyone got pictures on a good procedure wrote up on replacing the lower balljoints on the later model Explorer with four wheel drive. I am not paying $450 dollars to have the lower ball joints changed. I will do it myself and at that time I will take pictures and show everything. But if there is anyone that has done it lately please give me what help you can. I have a 2000 Eddie Bauer with only 39,000 miles on it and the Ford dealer I go to says they need replaced. It was my wife's vehicle and has never been off hard service roads. It is clean with no rust under it so it should be easy to do. I just put new front rotors and brake pads on the front because one rotor had grooves in it. It did not need them but I like it in perfect shap. That was easy the bolts were not even rusted. I just order her a new Edge and I am taking the Explorer for myself. Really I do not think the lower ball joints need changed that bad. As soon as I change them I will have the front end lined up. I would appreciate any pictures or procedure if any has any. Like I say when I do it I will have pictures to help someone next time. Thank you. jerrym@iowatelecom.net

 

What is the best repair manual for the Ford Explorer showing the ball joint replacement? I have the Haynes one, which is no help on 1995 and later.

Jerry

 

This thread is pretty close. Note this is not being done on an Explorer, but it'll get you real close.

You do not have to remove the axle nut. You will have to remove the brake caliper. The only special tool you'll need a press for the new ball joint.

Get Moog ball joints with a grease fitting.

Edit: forgot to attach the link, here it is: https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ll_Joints.html

 

Thanks a lot. I just picked up a set of Moog ball joints with grease fittings. The Auto Parts Store had a set for half the price without fittings. They said that is what Ford uses and they do not have any grease in them. I should have all the tools I need I do have a press for ball joints.

Jerry

 

the haynes manual was useless to me also.

the chiltons was much better.

the ford cd is a good thing to get for your year truck.

 

Leave the new ball joints in the freezer for a couple hours before installation.
Makes installation easier; they'll slip right in.....

 

Thanks for the information. I had heard this before so I have just put them in the freezer until I am ready toinstall them.

Jerry

 

The CDs can be purchased for cheap on ebay. I got one a while ago, I think it was around $30, give or take. Also got CDs for my Camry and my wife's Beetle for about the same price for each of those discs.\

Finding what you need in the Ford CD (it's a DVD, actually) is sometimes a bit challenging. It's like knowing what you want to find in the yellow pages, but not knowing what the yellow pages calls it. But everything is there. The wiring diagrams are especially useful. I have both the Haynes and Chilton manuals, and they are both useless.

Good luck!