ball joints
08-30-2006, 05:59 PM
#1
3rd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SC Upstate
Posts: 695
ball joints
I just had a trusted ford tech tell me my ball joints need to be replaced. I'm going to attempt this myself, can someone tell me exactly how to do this? My friend will be helping me and has plenty of tools and stuff. thanks.
08-30-2006, 06:05 PM
#3
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,986
RE: ball joints
Youre supposed to replace the whole lower control arm, not just the ball joint, thats the proper repair. You should get the ford racing ones, they have better bushings in em and have a little bit different angle to help your car corner better.
In order to replace the LCA's, youll need to remove teh spring so youll also need a spring compressor.
-P.
In order to replace the LCA's, youll need to remove teh spring so youll also need a spring compressor.
-P.
08-30-2006, 06:10 PM
#4
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location:
Posts: 551
RE: ball joints
I completely disagree with P Zero, but everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. Here is a post I did a while back with some detailed instructions...
https://mustangforums.com/m_1671318/tm.htm
Good luck.
https://mustangforums.com/m_1671318/tm.htm
Good luck.
08-30-2006, 06:29 PM
#5
3rd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SC Upstate
Posts: 695
RE: ball joints
Are these just fine?
I'm just looking to get rid of some vibration and steering issues. Plus i have no job, $32 sounds good! though ill replace both.
I'm just looking to get rid of some vibration and steering issues. Plus i have no job, $32 sounds good! though ill replace both.
08-30-2006, 07:14 PM
#7
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DTLA, CA
Posts: 4,897
RE: ball joints
Beating on it with a hammer is not the way to install a ball joint unless your an oaky. They are pressed into place. I recommend replacing the whole control arm. That is what I did, I put FRPP lowers. If you do install it the way hawk suggested it will take half the time.
08-30-2006, 07:22 PM
#8
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DTLA, CA
Posts: 4,897
RE: ball joints
You don't torque a ball joint into place, you press it in. If you do try to hammer it in you run the risk of deforming the top and the spindal nut will not thread. Best thing for you to do is get yourself a Haynes manual or a Ford repair manual so you will be able to go step by step through the job. Also when you take the rotor's off I highly recommend that you replace the bearings.
08-30-2006, 07:50 PM
#9
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,986
RE: ball joints
ORIGINAL: LOUDexhaust
I'm just looking to get rid of some vibration and steering issues.
I'm just looking to get rid of some vibration and steering issues.
But if thats not the case ( I dont think it is), it most likly is your tie-rods, and tie-rod ends. When tierods go bad, they WILL cause a vibe. It wont shake all the time (unless theyre really bad and about to snap), itll usually shake the worst on long drawn out mild corners on the E-way, and usually not shake or shake less when going straight. Id say check your tierods.
-P.
08-30-2006, 08:24 PM
#10
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DTLA, CA
Posts: 4,897
RE: ball joints
ORIGINAL: P Zero
Ok couple of things, if youre getting a vibe I guarantee 100% its NOT the balljoint. Foxbody balljoints are a littel different than other cars. THey dont get loose. They have a wear indicator on the bottom of them. The bottom is supposed to be flat or ever so slightly dome shaped. When its a big dome, the the ball joint needs to be replaced. Also, LONG before the balljoint gets to that state itll actually squeak when turning your steering wheel left to right. If that "trusted" ford tech said they were loose, I guarantee that theyre not, you just need to repack and retighten your wheel bearings.
But if thats not the case ( I dont think it is), it most likly is your tie-rods, and tie-rod ends. When tierods go bad, they WILL cause a vibe. It wont shake all the time (unless theyre really bad and about to snap), itll usually shake the worst on long drawn out mild corners on the E-way, and usually not shake or shake less when going straight. Id say check your tierods.
-P.
ORIGINAL: LOUDexhaust
I'm just looking to get rid of some vibration and steering issues.
I'm just looking to get rid of some vibration and steering issues.
But if thats not the case ( I dont think it is), it most likly is your tie-rods, and tie-rod ends. When tierods go bad, they WILL cause a vibe. It wont shake all the time (unless theyre really bad and about to snap), itll usually shake the worst on long drawn out mild corners on the E-way, and usually not shake or shake less when going straight. Id say check your tierods.
-P.