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#1
10-27-2006, 12:32 PM
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ball joint questions
'96 CV with lower ball joint going bad due to torn boot and 140K miles. A glance at the assembly looks like the lower BJ is pressed into the arm while the upper can be unbolted and removed without much problem.
Are these assumptions correct? What is the recommended way (and tools) to remove the lower BJ from the arm? I assume the replacement, for the lower BJ, is a "bolt in" and requires me to drill the arm for the mounting bolts - is that correct? Any suggestions for doing this job at home? Thanks! 
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#2
10-27-2006, 04:14 PM
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Re: ball joint questions
Lower ball joint is a press out and press in. A large hammer is a must if you are doing it at home. I have separated the control arm and drove the old joint out with a hammer. Then place new ball joint in the hole, place jackstand under the joint and use hammer on lower control arm until it gets completely seated. Good luck
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#4
10-27-2006, 07:04 PM
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Re: ball joint questions
Autozone and possibly other parts stores will loan you the correct fitting to use a shop press to install the new lower ball joints (assuming you have access to a press).
The upper ball joints just un-bolt and you replace the upper ball joint assembly as a unit. Be sure and buy replacement ball joints that have grease fittings. To my surprise, I found out that not all of them do.
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#5
10-27-2006, 07:48 PM
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Re: ball joint questions
NEW lower control arms with the latest updated ball joints pre-installed are available from your stealership, and when you factor in the labor to change the joints, and the fact that you get NEW bushings too, I would reccoend this for any vehicle older than 5-6 years or one with over 120,000 miles on the front end parts.
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#6
10-29-2006, 04:25 PM
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Re: ball joint questions
I agree that replacing the entire lower assembly is a good idea as ModTech suggests. That said, I wouldn't buy the parts from the dealer. If you are going to do the job yourself, OEM parts are available on-line at much better prices than what the dealership usually offers. See the example site below...
https://fordparts.com/oe_parts_catalog.html
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#7
10-29-2006, 09:52 PM
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Re: ball joint questions
While I have a 20ton press at home I use a ball joint tool made by OTC which looks like a big c-clamp with metal rings to recieve the joint when removing the ball joint. I have had to use a press once but not normally. To remove the lower control arm he is also going to need a spring compressor which he can also rent if he doesn't have one. You can also install new bushings if needed.
Most parts stores with a press will do work for a fee. This would be much cheaper than buying new control arms from ford. The biggest problem I've had was with chevy's and moog parts as I could put the ball joint in with my fingers. I had to go to another brand for proper sized ball joints.
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