Ball Joints...

[Strype]

I don't remember even looking at the ball joints when I did the spring change... now they're a poppin. It said in the manual that I have to take out the entire A-arm- Is that true?

I'd really hate to do those springs again. If that's true I'm buying new A-arms and doing a brake upgrade. Really really really don't want to touch the springs again. They're stock and brand new.

 

[Strype]

I'd really hate to do those springs again. If that's true I'm buying new A-arms and doing a brake upgrade. Really really really don't want to touch the springs again. They're stock and brand new.

Hey that kinda rhymes...

 

[tunedin302]

No, just rent yourself a balljoint press from autozone and remove them and press in the new ones. Be sure to put a good amount of grease on the new ones to allow for an easier fit. When you replace them, get some with zerk fittings. I believe I used Moog w/ zerks.

View attachment 489178

 

[FORCED2DV8]

No, get a Ball joint removal tool, The ball joint is pressed into the A -arm. You will need this tool to get it out, or a torch to heat the metal enough so it drops out...... The tool is much easier... Can find it at most automotive supply store's or tooling warehouse, Harbor freight..

 

[Strype]

Kewl... seems easy enough. By the way, what's a "zerk"?

 

[Zero_chance]

Zerk fitting screws into the ball joint and allows you to grease it with a grease gun. Dont replace the whole A arm unless you have to. I thought thats what I had to do until I was going through some old TSBs at work and Ford issued one saying to no longer replace the whole A arm because it was costing them too much back when these cars were under warranty.

 

[srothfuss]

zerk - standard greasable fitting attached to the ball joint which allows you to keep the part properly lubricated.

 

[tunedin302]

No, get a Ball joint removal tool, The ball joint is pressed into the A -arm. You will need this tool to get it out, or a torch to heat the metal enough so it drops out...... The tool is much easier... Can find it at most automotive supply store's or tooling warehouse, Harbor freight..

The tool I have pictured removes the balljoint and also presses them into the control arm. All you do is flip it over so the threaded portion is above the control arm and it presses the old ball joints out of the a-arm. What tool are you refering to?

 

[Joe P.]

No, get a Ball joint removal tool, The ball joint is pressed into the A -arm. You will need this tool to get it out, or a torch to heat the metal enough so it drops out...... The tool is much easier... Can find it at most automotive supply store's or tooling warehouse, Harbor freight..

Heating the a-arm to get the ball joint out may be the easiest way, but not the safest. Possible to weaken or expand the steel, leading to big problems down the road. The removal tools are cheap and work well, and you'll have peace of mind that the ball joint isn't gonna rip out 70mph around a turn..