Ball Joints
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12,281
Likes: 1
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Ball Joints
Okay so i was told by a tech at the Ford dealership that on my 1993 Ford F150 3 of the ball joints are worn i dont know how bad he recommends to replace all of 4 of them like what are the symptoms of really bad ball joints on these trucks?? it doesnt make any sounds going over bumps and stuff like some do when the ball joints are really bad steers perfect doesnt wander no uneven tire wear etc seems fine to me i would never known different unless he notified me
also what happens if i dont get these replaced right away could that cause my grief? dangerous thing to do?
Opinions guys thanks
also what happens if i dont get these replaced right away could that cause my grief? dangerous thing to do?
Opinions guys thanks
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo, MI
other then the fact the steering knuckles weigh like a bazillion pounds and they're awkward as hell to handle with the rotor on them, ball joints on a 2wd truck are a cakewalk to replace..
especially if you rent/own/use a balljoint/u-joint press...
should take you about 2hrs per side
ball joints are gonna be about $70-$90 each for GOOD ones (and don't go cheap, you'll be doing it again in six months)...
especially if you rent/own/use a balljoint/u-joint press...
should take you about 2hrs per side
ball joints are gonna be about $70-$90 each for GOOD ones (and don't go cheap, you'll be doing it again in six months)...
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12,281
Likes: 1
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Well i dont own a balljoin press i was loookin for opinions on like how to tell they are really wore out like i know when they are really wore they make a clunk, cause tire wear and wander which mine doesnt do at all its perfect for steering so they shouldnt need replacing right away?? right
and if i dont replace em what happens and im lookin at a disaster waiting to happen
and if i dont replace em what happens and im lookin at a disaster waiting to happen
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 398
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From: Liverpool, NY
well if their set up like they are on the aerostar, i had to remove both upper and lower control arms and pound the points out with a weighted hammer and a brass rod(i dont have a press either). One way is to tell is to jack up the front so its a bit off the ground, take a pry bar or other strong bar and place it under the tire. Lift up and down on it. If you hear anything or veel any vibrations then the joints are bad.
Just from what i kno of ball joints.
-MAtt
Just from what i kno of ball joints.
-MAtt
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Liverpool, NY
no problem, ford expected them to last about as long as the vehicle(wich held true for my '88 aerostar). Now, if your joints are indeed bad, the bottom joints you can pount out with a weighted hammer and brass bar and not have to take the control arm off(the top is another story).
Hope this helps further
-Matt
Hope this helps further
-Matt
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Winchester, VA
Simple check.... jack up the front end. Put one hand on top of tire, on hand on bottom and alternately push and pull. If there is any movement, then you either need ball joints or wheel bearings. An extra set of eyes can tell the difference by watching as you wiggle.
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If you do not have a press and plan on doing them yourself, save yourself the pain in the *** and buy one. You can get one pretty cheap from harbor freight. I have this one and it works wonderful for about $30.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38335
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38335