2WD ball joint replacement
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
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2WD ball joint replacement
Autozone has instructions on their website to replace ball joints. But at the bottom of the page there is a statement that the ball joints are not serviceable and the entire control arm must be replaced. I have a hard time believing that! Can anybody confirm?
I did a search on this site but posts I found are focused on 4WD which I would suspect is different than my 2WD.
AutoZone.com | Vehicle Selection - Year
I did a search on this site but posts I found are focused on 4WD which I would suspect is different than my 2WD.
AutoZone.com | Vehicle Selection - Year
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
"The lower ball joint is an integral part of the lower control arm and is not a serviceable component. Replacement of the ball joint requires replacing the lower control arm." HUH!?
That would assume that there is an UPPER control arm...which there isn't.
That would assume that there is an UPPER control arm...which there isn't.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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I also need to replace my upper and lower ball joints on my 2wd 2002 F250. Have you found any directions on how to do it? I have a friend who is very knowledgeable in auto repair who will help me, but I need to find some instructions for him.
Also need to know if there are any specialty tools required to get them in place without damaging them?
Also need to know if there are any specialty tools required to get them in place without damaging them?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,060
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From: Burnsville, MN
I have a Chilton's for 99 - '06 Super Duties/ Excursions, and under "Balljoints - replacement" it indicates the following:
"The balljoints are a press fit in the steering knuckle, which necessataes the use of a special press tool and receiver cup to remove and install them. Since the tool is not normally available to the home mechanic, it is recommended that the vehicle be taken to an automotive machine shop or other qualified repair facility to have the balljoints replaced.
"At the time of this writing, balljoints on 1999 through 2003 2WD models were not replaceable."
Well that's sort of hard to believe.... Reminds me of that Chevy where you had to remove the engine in order to change the spark plugs.....
"The balljoints are a press fit in the steering knuckle, which necessataes the use of a special press tool and receiver cup to remove and install them. Since the tool is not normally available to the home mechanic, it is recommended that the vehicle be taken to an automotive machine shop or other qualified repair facility to have the balljoints replaced.
"At the time of this writing, balljoints on 1999 through 2003 2WD models were not replaceable."
Well that's sort of hard to believe.... Reminds me of that Chevy where you had to remove the engine in order to change the spark plugs.....
New User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 20
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From: Anaheim, Ca
It's fairly simple if you have the tools. You need a decent air hammer and a ball joint press kit (usually sold at most tool stores for less than $100). First, take the spindle completely off. Then, Remove the snap ring on the lower ball joint. Use the air hammer on the bottom of the ball joints and push it out of the spindle. Then, use the ball joint press (using the approptiately sized adapters) and install the new ball joints. Hope this helps.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Thanks for the replies. I got a quote from my favorite shop for $575 parts and labor, so I guess they can be replaced. I will show this to my buddy and see what he says.
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Posting Guru
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Junior User
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My friend and I just replaced both my upper and lower front ball joints on my 2wd, so yes, they definitely are replaceable. Don't have time for a write up, but if anyone has questions feel free to ask.
We needed three special tools, a pickle fork, a ball press and a tie rod press (or whatever it's called)
We needed three special tools, a pickle fork, a ball press and a tie rod press (or whatever it's called)
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