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 ...
- Step 1 - Jack up truck and support with jack stand. ...
- Step 2 - Remove wheel and tire. ...
- Step 3 - Remove caliper and rotor and set aside. ...
- Step 4 - Remove 4WD vacuum lines. ...
- Step 5 - Remove anti-lock brake sensor. ...
- Step 6 - Separate ball joint from wheel spindle. ...
- Step 7 - Separate tie-rod end from wheel spindle.
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 ball joint on a Chevy Silverado?
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. You will probably have to stop and add an additional collet spacer on top to complete this step.
How do you know when to replace front ball joints?
The ball joints in the front allow the front wheels and suspension to move back and forth in addition to up and down when the vehicle is responding to surface changes on the road. However, when the ball joints begin to go bad, they will let you know in subtle ways it's time to replace them.
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 much does it cost to replace ball joints Ford f150?
between $233 and $308Ford F-150 Suspension Ball Joint Replacement Cost Estimate. The average cost for a Ford F-150 suspension ball joint replacement is between $233 and $308. Labor costs are estimated between $172 and $217 while parts are priced between $61 and $91.
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.
How many hours does it take to replace ball joints?
The ball joint is a small part of your car, and the part itself is only going to cost between $20-$150 or more, depending on where you get it from and what kind of vehicle you own. It can take a little over an hour to get it replaced, so the full ball joint replacement cost will be between $100 and $400.May 6, 2020
What are the steps to replacing ball joints?
2:494:56How 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 remove a ball joint without a press?
0:444:03How 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.
Can I replace my own ball joint?
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.
Should you replace both ball joints at the same time?
Many technicians recommend replacing both joints at the same time (both lowers, both uppers or all four). Another item that should be checked when ball joints are replaced is the stud hole in the steering knuckle — especially if the ball joint stud has broken or is loose.
Should you replace all ball joints at once?
If a customer needs a new ball joint, recommend replacing all of the joints at the same time. If one joint has failed, chances are the other joints may be nearing the end of their service life, too.
How much is the labor to replace a ball joint?
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.Oct 10, 2016
Can you replace a ball joint without a press?
0:086:10How to remove and install ball joints without a press using only a floor ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGet your pail itself a piece of wood. So it doesn't slip off of there and then put your jackMoreGet your pail itself a piece of wood. So it doesn't slip off of there and then put your jack underneath. Directly underneath where the ball joint goes down and apply.
Should I replace ball joint or 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.Oct 28, 2016
Where is the ball joint located?
front suspensionWhere are ball joints and tie rods located? Both ball joints and tie rod ends are each a part of the front suspension and steering system of your car and are located between the front wheels.
How to separate lower ball joint from wheel knuckle?
Use the front end service set and lightly hammer the knuckle to separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle assembly. The heat gun may come in handy for this task, as it can be difficult.
How to lower shock absorber?
Lower the shock absorber out of position. It may require a few raps with a hammer or mallet. Don't let the shock drop to the floor.
How to remove snap ring on a ball joint?
Using needle-nose pliers, remove the snap ring that's on the upper side of the lower ball joint.
What is a good creeper seat?
Like with any big job, prepare you workspace and make sure you have plenty of room to move around. A creeper seat with a tool tray is a good idea, as is a magnetic parts bowl and maybe some small containers to keep parts and connectors where you need them.
How to remove dust cap on 4WD?
Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully remove the dust cap for the wheel bearing (4WD).
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.
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
How to tell if ball joints are failing?
Another symptom of failing ball joints is extra vibration coming from the suspension. Noticing a trend here? As the ball joints wear and deteriorate, excessive vibration will start to be felt while the vehicle is being driven. In certain cases, the vibration can even be felt in the steering wheel.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Can you rent a ball joint press kit?
Extreme caution needs to be used in replacing ball joints and expensive kits need to be obtained in order to get the job done. You can rent one of these ball joint pressing kits from places like AutoZone but again, you must be very careful. Some suspension parts are under tremendous amounts of pressure and improper handling can cause injury or even death.
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 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 ball joint nuts?
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. Reinstall the knuckle into the housing and loosely install the nuts on the ball joints. Tighten each to manufacturer specs.
What is the black cable on a truck?
Figure 1. The black cable is the ABS line. You can identify it on your truck because it is the only actual wire leading to your brakes. The other tubing will be either vacuum lines or brake fluid hoses.
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.
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.
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.
