ball joints

[slam27]

I have an 88 mustang notchback. I think based on what I've read that the ball joints are bad. This is based on the fact that the bottom of the a cap that covers the grease fitting on the ball joint is flush with or ecessed back into the a-arm....is this accurate? I have read that when the ball joint is bad the whole lower a-arm must be replaced....is this true? I've seen articles where people remove them and install one in the old a-arm. Is this okay? Mecahnically inclined but new to working on mustangs. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Mark

 

[jaackal]

no its not true that the whole arm has to be replaced, however it makes it easier to just buy the arm from ford racing in summit and just bolt it right up instead of trying to press it and hammer it in...makes an easier job

 

[trents99]

You don't have to replace the a-arms but a lot of people do. I replaced my ball joints when I did my SN95 upgrade. They were some what of a PITA but not impossible to do with hand tools. Also if they have been replaced before chances are the hole may have been enlarged to the point where knew ones will not seat correctly. In this case you may need to look at new a-arms.

 

[DMAN302]

Well Mark 5 hours taking my time I had new ball joints and while in there I replaced the struts and wheel bearings..not a difficult job at all. The A-arms can be replaced but not at all necessary.
http://members.shaw.ca/Notchmustang/Balljoint.html

 

[bgjohnson]

very easy way to check is, jack the car up on the frame and put some pressure on the A arm with the jack, then shake the tire. I did mine and oh my sweet Jesus Lord, i don't know how they are still functioning.

 

[ram360]

I always press mine out on the car. No need to replace the a arm.