Getting Started
- 1 Prep the work area. Park on a flat surface and block both rear wheels, front and back. ...
- 2 Inspect the ball joints to make sure they need to be replaced. ...
- 3 Purchase the correct replacement ball joint assembly for your vehicle. ...
- 4 Remove the wheel and access the ball joint. ...
- 5 Soak all the bolts with WD-40 or PB Blaster. ...
Full Answer
How do you replace a ball joint on a lower control arm?
If your vehicle uses pressed-in ball joints, you’ll need to remove the lower control arm and take the assembly to a mechanic with a hydraulic press to swap the joints out. Slide the new joint into place and pump it full of grease.
How do you replace a ball joint on a steering wheel?
Guide the new joint through the knuckle hole. Slide the new rubber boot over the ball joint’s stud and guide the new ball joint back up through the steering knuckle hole, where it came from. Bolt the joint into place using the hardware included.
How to replace ball joint pickle fork?
With the wrench, remove the largest nut from the joint, replace with the new nut, and then drive the pickle fork between the control arm and the steering knuckle. You'll probably have to hammer it, and don't be afraid to get rough.This will probably ruin the gasket around the ball joint, so make sure you've got one to replace it.
How many ball joints should be replaced in a front wheel?
Consider ball joints as a set. Check to see whether each wheel has one or two ball joints (upper and lower) and replace both; also replace both left and right sides since you have the entire front end lifted. Always have a wheel alignment performed after replacing ball joints.
How do you remove the ball joint on a Ford Ranger?
3:0412:42How To Replace Lower Ball Joint 1998-2011 Ford Ranger - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt. Use your hammer give it a couple loving bonks just to break. It. Free your axle nut. Use aMoreIt. Use your hammer give it a couple loving bonks just to break. It. Free your axle nut. Use a hammer and punch break this. Free.
Can I replace a ball joint myself?
Ball joints are not always an easy replacement, but a DIYer who is versed in changing suspension and brake components will probably be able to tackle the job.
How many hours does it take to replace a ball joint?
A ball joint replacement will typically take around one hour, but it can take less or more time depending on several factors.
Can you replace a ball joint without a press?
You'll need a floor jack, a piece of wood, heavy-duty grease, a blow torch, and all of the parts included in your new ball joint package to install a lower ball joint without a press. It's important to note that pressed-in ball joints require a press for removal and installation.
How do you remove a ball joint without a tool?
Place your jack directly underneath your axle hub where the ball joint goes down. You can put a piece of wood in between your axle hub and the jack. Then gently raise the hub a bit. Now you should be able to use a hammer to separate the bottom part of the joint from the top.
Does replacing ball joints affect alignment?
A ball joints is made to fit tightly into its steel casing; excessive wear will allow for more room for the ball to move in the socket, which can affect wheel alignment, tire wear, and suspension noise.
Should I replace upper and lower ball joints at the same time?
If one ball joint is worn out, chances are the ball joint on the opposite side is also bad or nearing the end of its service life. Many technicians recommend replacing both joints at the same time (both lowers, both uppers or all four).
How much is the labor to replace a ball joint?
Good quality ball joints cost $100 – $150. You'll find cheaper ones for as low as $20 – $80, but it's risky depending on your car's make and model. Ball joint replacement costs for high-end cars can be $500 or more, as the part costs more. Labor costs are typically around $100 – $150.
Which ball joints wear out first?
The lower ball joint usually takes the biggest hits and wears out first. Not only does it need to handle the load of the vehicle, but it also absorbs the shocks of potholes and other bone-jarring road hazards.
What is the easiest way to remove a ball joint?
0:354:03How to Break a Ball Joint Free - 4 Different Ways - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTools this is simply hitting the side of the casting with a hammer on the steering knuckle right byMoreTools this is simply hitting the side of the casting with a hammer on the steering knuckle right by the ball joint the shock from the hit provides enough vibration to break the taper free.
Are ball joints pressed in?
Ball joints are ball-and-socket joints in the front suspension that serve as the pivot points between the wheels and suspension of your vehicle. On each side, the lower ball joint is pressed into and rests in the lower control arm, while the upper ball joint rests in the upper control arm.
How do you use a ball joint removal tool?
1:056:45Harbor Freight Ball Joint Separator Tool Review - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen on the business end are the jaws this forked side sits under the bottom of the ball joint.MoreThen on the business end are the jaws this forked side sits under the bottom of the ball joint. Between the the boot and the the metal around it and in this end sits on top of the end of the bolt of
How much should it cost to replace a ball joint?
Good quality ball joints cost $100 – $150. You'll find cheaper ones for as low as $20 – $80, but it's risky depending on your car's make and model. Ball joint replacement costs for high-end cars can be $500 or more, as the part costs more. Labor costs are typically around $100 – $150.
Should I replace entire control arm or just ball joint?
Ball joints typically cannot be replaced separately, so the entire control arm needs to be replaced. The ball joints are critical to vehicle alignment, so these control arms should also be replaced in pairs.
How much does it cost to change ball joint?
In general, a new ball joint should run $20-$80. The labor costs will be different for every mechanic, but, for this repair, you should normally be charged $160-$200.
How do you press out a ball joint?
0:558:24How to Press a Ball Joint - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to push against the control arm. So you could force it out. So looking at our kit here weMoreYou want to push against the control arm. So you could force it out. So looking at our kit here we need something that has some depth remember we need something that is larger than that.
What is a ball joint replacement for a Ford Ranger?from autozone.com
To take advantage of its substantial towing capacity while ensuring the safety of your passengers, get a Ranger ball joint replacement that ensures upright suspension and proper alignment of your vehicle. Safety is a priority if you're looking to add a lot ...
How to install a receiver joint?from therangerstation.com
Follow the directions, and its pretty easy. You start with the lower one. Set the receiver cup to let the press push the joint out. another view. do the same with the upper, running the screw through the hole left by the lower one. Installation is similar to removal, but you use a smaller cup to press the new joint in.
How many TRW front lower ball joints per pack?from carid.com
Front Lower Ball Joint by TRW®. Quantity: 1 per Pack. Does your luxury car ride like an old buckboard wagon? Is your pickup still bouncing long after the bump? If so your suspension is in need of repair, but before you waste your time...
How to get a spindle off easier?from therangerstation.com
Apply anti-seize to the back of the spindle and the bore on the knuckle (AFTER you do the joints!). This will make the spindle come off easier later.
What is a front non adjustable lower press in ball joint?from carid.com
This suspension ball joint is precision-engineered and rigorously tested to provide reliable replacement for the original equipment on specific vehicles.
What is a MOOG ball joint?from carid.com
Ball Joint by MOOG®. MOOG ball joints are the preferred choice of many professional technicians and incorporate proven design and advanced engineering features to ensure like-new steering and suspension, simple installation, and...
Why do you want joints to be in phase?from therangerstation.com
You want the joints to be in “phase” with each other so they don’t bind and break. (they do anyway!)
How to install a receiver joint?
Follow the directions, and its pretty easy. You start with the lower one. Set the receiver cup to let the press push the joint out. another view. do the same with the upper, running the screw through the hole left by the lower one. Installation is similar to removal, but you use a smaller cup to press the new joint in.
How to get a spindle off easier?
Apply anti-seize to the back of the spindle and the bore on the knuckle (AFTER you do the joints!). This will make the spindle come off easier later.
Why do you want joints to be in phase?
You want the joints to be in “phase” with each other so they don’t bind and break. (they do anyway!)
What is passenger side shaft?
Passenger Side (long) shaft. This is a close up of the bore in the knuckle. You need to remove the upper and lower bolt attaching the ball joint. Now you need to use a pickle fork for the ball joint, or a lot of hammering. Take your pick.
How much does it cost to replace a ball joint?
Typically, a solid ball joint replacement will run about $80 or $90 new . Compared to the several hundred to a thousand dollars they'll charge at the shop, this can be a very cost-effective DIY project.
How to get ball joint out of steering knuckle?
It can be somewhat difficult because of the extremely tight fit which helps hold the ball joint in place and the road grime built up around the suspension, so you will most likely need to use a hammer and a special tool called a “pickle fork” or tie rod separator to get enough leverage to maneuver.
How to remove a McPherson strut?
1. Pull the cotter pin and loosen the large castellated nut. The top should look like a crown, or castle, at the bottom. Leave the castellated nut in place, just a few turns in to keep it in a safe place. If you’re working on a McPherson strut suspension remove the “pinch bolt” that clamps the ball joint stud.
How to check if a ball joint is strut style?
Figure out if your vehicle's got a strut-style suspension or a control arm, then check the ball joint by either jacking up the control arm near the ball joint to check for wheel play, or by jacking up the car and using a pry-bar to check for wheel play in a strut-style suspension.
Why is fixing old ball joints important?
Recognizable for a knocking sound in the wheel well as you execute a turn, fixing old ball joints is an important part of keeping your vehicle road-safe. You can do it yourself for the price of the parts and the right approach. Steps.
What to do if you remove the brakes?
If you removed the brake or wheel, reattach them and lower the vehicle back down to test out the action. Bleed the brakes, if necessary. It's a good opportunity to do any other repairs you might need to do with the brakes, since you've got them off. Replacing a ball joint can affect alignment.
Can you re-use old bolts?
Bolt the joint into place using the hardware included. It's not usually advisable to re-use old bolts or rubber boots that covered the old ball joint, which will probably be too corroded if the ball joint wore out.