lower ball joints

[ls2002]

Would like some info my wifes 2002 ls has been diagnosed with both bad lower ball joints. Dealer wants to replace the complete lower arm at a cost of about $1k. I have found replcement ball joints at about $130 for both. The add says that a reputable machine shop can press the new ones in. Can this be done or better yet has anyone had this done?

[shorod]

I can't speak to the posibility of this for the LS, but if it's like other newer Ford products and Mitsubishis where supposedly the ball joints are only available as part of the knuckle or lower control arm, yes, it's possible to press old ball joints out and press new ones in with the proper tools. Often there is a c-clip or similar that will need to be removed prior to pressing the old joint out.

Care to share where you found the replacment joints so other's can benefit from your find? Also, if you opt to go this route, please follow up with the results.

-Rod

[danielsatur]

For the cost savings,I think it would be a risk!

I would also have a 2nd opion,but don't say anything about the DEALER
diagnose.

It could be a a bad strut!

MCGIVER

[sdezego]

Originally Posted by ls2002

Would like some info my wifes 2002 ls has been diagnosed with both bad lower ball joints. Dealer wants to replace the complete lower arm at a cost of about $1k. I have found replcement ball joints at about $130 for both. The add says that a reputable machine shop can press the new ones in. Can this be done or better yet has anyone had this done?

I would be very leery about this. I looked at it closely myself (I am a mechanic and a former machinist) and decided to buy new. The factory ones look like they are molded in and the control arms and spindles are very delicate.

In fact, on mine all/most of the suspension joints needed replacing due to age/broken boots. I replaced at about 100k and every suspension part front and back including front wheel bearings (previously did the rears), sway bar/bushings, struts, strut mounts/bearings, shocks, etc, etc. I think I had about $1,500+ in (Factory parts) from http://www.fordpartsonline.com/. They were cheaper than I can buy from the local ford dealer with jobber pricing. This is my wife's car and it was making some noises and wearing the insides of the tires even with proper alignments. The lower ball joints were definitely bad and the uppers had wear. The only way to replace properly was new arms and spindles. The car has 136k now and drives like the day it left the factory.

Shawn

[ls2002]

For those interested in knowing where to get the lower ball joints they are listed on ebay do a search for (lincoln ls lower ball joint) the seller is deutsche parts usa also euromarque automotive parts.

[shorod]

Thanks for that info!

-Rod

[shorod]

I had purchased one of the individual ball joints from the site mentioned. It's a nice looking ball joint, unfortunately I was not able to get the hub loose from the knuckle to allow enough clearance to press the old ball joint out.

I ended up ordering a new hub, new knuckle, and new outer tie rod end (due to a torn dust boot and slight looseness) because I was afraid if I ever did get the old hub loose to press out the ball joint, I'd have a higher medical bill or body shop repair bill than the cost of the new parts. The new hub slid very easily into the new knuckle, it wasn't even a friction fit. I had to hold the hub in place to start the bolts otherwise it would have fallen out. I guess I'll get to play a bit rough with the old parts to see if I can get the hub apart and the old ball joint pressed out. I'll let you know what I learn.

With the new parts installed, the car is tight and quiet again. Of course what I anticipated to be a $70 job ended up costing a bit north of $500...

-Rod

[chriscdev]

I have performed this fix using the ball joint from EBay, and I must say that it can be done at home with a press and short lengths of 2" pipe. My wife, who is a CPA (not mechanically inclined at all!!!) and I did it in less than two hours.

You have to be persistant and unafraid to take things apart, but it isnt too bad.

I just received the ball joint for the drivers side, for when it starts making noise!

Chris

[nalore1713]

Chris......

My Name is Alex... I have the same dilemma with my Ball Joints... The problem I have now is that I can not figure out how to use the Loaner tool I got from Advance Autoparts and press the ball joint out..

Can You tell me WHAT tool and HOW did you use it and managed to get this damn things out...?

If you have any pictures that would be wonderful...

Thanks and happy holidays in advance.

Originally Posted by chriscdev

I have performed this fix using the ball joint from EBay, and I must say that it can be done at home with a press and short lengths of 2" pipe. My wife, who is a CPA (not mechanically inclined at all!!!) and I did it in less than two hours.

You have to be persistant and unafraid to take things apart, but it isnt too bad.

I just received the ball joint for the drivers side, for when it starts making noise!

Chris