How to Replace Ball Joints on a 2004-2008 Ford F150 1. Loosen the lug nuts slightly on the wheel you'll be working on. 2. Set the parking brake, chock the rear wheels, raise the truck, and set it securely on jackstands. 3. Remove the lug nuts and wheel. 4. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully ...
Can you replace the ball joint on a Ford F-150?
Unfortunately, the upper ball joint in the F-150 is non-servicable. Instead, you'll just have to replace the entire upper control arm. Re-install anti-lock brake sensor, 4wd vacuum lines, rotor, and caliper. Torque all hardware to proper specifications. Make sure to grease new ball joints.
How do you replace a lower ball joint on a lawn mower?
Using needle-nose pliers, remove the snap ring that's on the upper side of the lower ball joint. Use the ball joint press (with the proper collets) to push the old ball joint down, through the lower control arm. Use the ball joint press to push the new ball joint up into its place in the lower control arm.
How do you replace a ball joint on a Chevy Silverado?
Remove the upper and lower ball joint nuts. Knock each ball joint out of the housing and remove the knuckle. Remove the snap ring from the lower ball joint. Remove the old ball joints with a press or a hammer. Use a ball joint press to install new ball joints.
How do you replace a ball joint on a power steering?
Use the ball joint press (with the proper collets) to push the old ball joint down, through the lower control arm. Use the ball joint press to push the new ball joint up into its place in the lower control arm.
Are ball joints hard to replace?
Ball joint replacement is not straightforward, as they can be very tricky to access and install – especially with age and rust. On some cars, the ball joint is integrated into the control arm. If you're not familiar with the suspension and wheel assembly, it's best to visit a garage for a professional check.
Can you replace ball joints at home?
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 do you change a lower ball joint on a 2005 Ford f150?
5:3114:39How to Replace Front Lower Ball Joint 2004-08 Ford F150 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to need a cup that fits over the lip of the ball joint. But still fits on the controlMoreYou're going to need a cup that fits over the lip of the ball joint. But still fits on the control arm. And then of course you're going to need one of these that has the slot for the stud.
How much does it cost to replace ball joints on a pickup truck?
In general, ball joints are inexpensive with a range between $20 to $80 each. Labor will vary greatly by model. Some vehicles cost as low as $60 to $80. Yet others, especially four-wheel drive trucks, can range from $160 to $200 per ball joint.
Can you replace just the ball joint without replacing control arm?
In order to know if just the ball joint or the whole complete lower control arm needs replaced, the lower ball joint will need to be disconnected from the steering knuckle and checked to see if it fits tight in the lower control arm. If it is loose, then replace control arm.
What tools do I need to replace ball joints?
What tools will I need for a press-in ball joint replacement?Ball joint press kit (including C-clamp and adapters)Socket, ratchet, torque, and extension wrenches.Socket air tools.Ball joint separator (also known as a pickle fork)Needle nose pliers.Screwdrivers.Tire iron.Side cutters.More items...•
How do you change the upper ball joint on a 2006 Ford f150?
1:599:12How to Replace Upper Control Arms 2004-08 Ford F150 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere go ahead and pry. And you should see it want to separate we'll pull it away from the controlMoreHere go ahead and pry. And you should see it want to separate we'll pull it away from the control arm you can see our safety nut did its job remove that nut.
How do you change a ball joint?
2:214:56How To: Replace Ball Joints on Your Vehicle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPress slip the appropriate press tube around the bottom of the ball joint under the control arm thenMorePress slip the appropriate press tube around the bottom of the ball joint under the control arm then use the clamp. And a ratchet and socket to push the ball joint. Out.
How do you set up a ball joint press?
4:078:24How to Press a Ball Joint - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut doesn't touch the inside. So first try this fits exactly on here right on that shoulder. So weMoreBut doesn't touch the inside. So first try this fits exactly on here right on that shoulder. So we have this big opening here that we need to push downwards on we don't want this to get touched.
How long do ball joints last f150?
Most ball joints will last for 100,000 miles or more. Rough driving habits may shorten the life of these parts.
Should you replace upper and lower ball joints together?
A: Plenty of mechanics will recommend that you replace both the upper and lower ball joints at the same time. They may also recommend checking related components at the same time, such as the stud hole in the steering knuckle.
How long does it take to replace ball joints and tie rods?
Your looking at alot of labor hours at a shop to relplace both ball joints, both tie rod ends and both strut bearings. I would say, just estimating, about 5-7 hrs of labor for all of that. The strut bearings are going to be the same labor as replacing the struts which is around 1.5 hrs a side.
How do you know if a ball joint is bad?
However, when the ball joints begin to go bad, they will let you know in subtle ways it's time to replace them. 1. A hard creaking sound from the front of the vehicle. As ball joints start to go bad they will become loose in the socket. This looseness will allow a knocking sound or rattle from the front of the vehicle when ...
What is a ball joint?
Ball joints play a very important part when it comes to the suspension components of almost all modern vehicles. They are round (hence the name "ball") bearings in a socket which function just like the ball and socket of a human hip. Just like the ball socket of your hip, they serve as one of the main pivot points connecting the control arms ...
What happens if a ball joint breaks?
If you start to experience any of these symptoms in your vehicle, it is important to go have your suspension system checked out by a professional. If a ball joint breaks, you can lose steering or the suspension system could collapse.
When a vehicle has been properly aligned and the ball joints are in good working condition, should the vehicle travel
When a vehicle has been properly aligned and the ball joints are in good working condition, the vehicle should travel mostly straight.
What to do if one side of suspension is broken?
If you do find that one side of your suspension has a broken or worn ball joint, you should probably get the other one replaced as well. This is because if one has gone out, the other one probably isn't far behind. You will need to get an alignment after having the ball joints replaced.
How to remove a ball joint?
Remove the upper and lower ball joint nuts. Knock each ball joint out of the housing and remove the knuckle. Remove the snap ring from the lower ball joint. Remove the old ball joints with a press or a hammer. Use a ball joint press to install new ball joints.
How much does it cost to replace ball joints?
Purchasing new upper and lower ball joints will cost around $250-$350. If you decide to take the job to a professional, the cost will rise significantly to between $600 and $900. With a moderate amount of skill, you can easily save a ton of money in the process.
How to remove ABS sensor from truck?
Step 1 - Lift the truck off the ground and remove wheels and brakes. Use a floor jack to lift up the front of the truck and support it with jack stands. Remove the front wheels. Unplug the ABS sensor located behind the inner fender liner, then unclip it from the frame and brake hose.
How to remove the cotter pin on a knuckle?
Remove the cotter pin and nut that attach the tie rod end to the knuckle. Remove the outer hub by squeezing the retaining ring. Remove the snap ring and thrust washers from the axle. Remove the bolt that holds the ABS sensor to the knuckle.
What are the symptoms of a bad ball joint?
Symptoms of a bad set of ball joints can include noise from your front wheels and sloppy steering. The good news is that replacing your F-250 or F-350's ball joints requires only basic tools and a moderate level of skill. This article applies to the Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty (2005-2014). Bad ball joints connect your wheels to the suspension.
How to remove thrust washer from axle?
Remove the thrust washer from the axle and then the axle itself. This can typically be done easily with a pry bar. Remove the knuckle seal and examine the axle for any wear. Make sure the u-joint moves freely but isn't loose. Figure 3.
How Much Does Labor Cost?
The answer to this question has a lot to do with your location. If you are living in a place that does not have a Ford dealership or you are working with a dealer that is also a luxury dealer, you might pay more for your labor costs.
How Much Do Ball Joints for an F150 Cost?
You will always have to remember that shipping for car parts can be really costly.
What Are the Costs of Other Parts That Can Fail After a Ball Joint?
If you have had issues with a ball joint in your Ford F150 failing, you could have other parts that have failed as a result or at the same time.
How Often Should You Budget for Ball Joint Replacement?
You might be wondering how often this ball joint replacement service will be needed when you own a truck.
Ball Joint Replacements Are Not the Most Expensive Replacement Part
If you have found out that your truck needs to have a ball joint replaced, there are many other services that are far more expensive to have serviced.
How to tell if ball joints are worn?
Signs of worn ball joints can include: 1 Squeaking or popping while going over bumps 2 Excessive wander and play in the steering. As it gets worse, the vehicle may suddenly wander right or left on its own, with no steering input 3 Uneven tire wear
Where is the ball joint nut on a wheel knuckle?
Slide the brake rotor off the spindle—at this point, you should have access to the lower ball joint nut, at the bottom of the wheel knuckle assembly. Place a jack under the control arm and remove the 24mm nut at the bottom of the lower ball joint - you may need a breaker bar or length of pipe for leverage.
What is a ball joint?
They are a large bearing that's like a ball-and-socket joint and allow for suspension travel while steering. Ball joints support the vehicle's weight, and without them, the suspension would literally collapse and drop to the pavement. Excessive wander and play in the steering.
Can a ball joint wear out?
As it gets worse, the vehicle may suddenly wander right or left on its own, with no steering input. Ball joints can wear to a point where they fail completely, resulting in a sudden loss of control. You'll want to replace them before then, though, because as they wear, the vehicle will become a real handful to drive.
