2000 Ford Explorer XLS

[jdcpjc]

Doesn't anyone out there have an idea for me about the vibration I asked about in the front end of my explorer when I hit bumps?? I've heard from others that it may be the upper and lower ball joints? If anyone out there agrees that I should start there do you know how expensive of a job it is to have both sides done?

[shorod]

Hmmm, try posting a follow-up question to the thread you apparently started before. I'm too tired (as likely are others on this forum) to go back through looking for your earlier post to get the details. When a new post is made to a thread, it will bump it back to "new thread" status, getting attention for the thread.

-Rod

[jdcpjc]

Thanks for replying...here is my question. My 2000 Ford Explorer has developed a shimmy when I go over bumps. Someone told me I should replace the upper and lower ball joints. Whats your opinion and is this a costly job??

[shorod]

Play in ball joints severe enough to cause bump steer is easy to check for. Raise the front wheels off the ground and properly support the truck. Grab onto the tire at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions. Pull with each hand and see if there is play. If so, you now need to determine if the play is ball joints or wheel bearings. Position you hands at 3 and 9 o'clock and again check for play. If you notice the same amount of play, the problem may be wheel bearings. First verify the lugnuts are tight.

Also make sure all tires are properly inflated per the door sticker (not the number on the sidewall of the tire) and check the anti-sway bar end links.

-Rod

[jdcpjc]

Ok I will do what you suggest. Is replacing upper and lower ball joints labor intensive? I've checked online and it looks like the parts arent' to expensive.

[jdcpjc]

Also...is it dangerous to drive if I take it easy or should this be done right away?

[shorod]

Honestly, I have not replaced ball joints in an Explorer, so I'm not sure how labor intensive it would be. It looks like you'd need a ball joint press which can usually be borrowed from many of the chain auto parts stores. It also will probably require a snap ring pliers and some pretty hefty hand tools.

As for the safety of driving on potentially worn steering or suspension components, it's never a good idea. If there are just the early signs of play in the ball joints or tie rod ends, you can probably safely drive at city speeds to a shop to have the work performed or to the parts store and back, but get it taken care of before it gets worse or you forget about it.

Also, you'll want to have an alignment check performed after you replace any suspension or steering components. Certainly verify the tire pressure too though.

-Rod

[jdcpjc]

Thanks for your help...I'll have it taken care of this week...