🔧 Ball Joints - Replacement

Assumption: Front lower ball joints on both sides are being replaced. On your Explorer, the ball joint is typically serviced with the front lower control arm, so the repair may involve replacing the control arm assembly instead of pressing in a separate joint.

This job involves lifting the front end, disconnecting the steering knuckle, and removing the suspension component that carries the ball joint. Because suspension parts hold the wheel and steering together, use extra care and always support the vehicle securely.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle with jack stands before removing any suspension parts.
• Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Use a ball joint separator carefully; the steering knuckle can release suddenly.
• Replace ball joints in pairs on the same axle for even handling.
• If equipped with electronic parking brake or traction systems, keep the ignition off during mechanical work.
• Have a wheel alignment performed after the repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (pair, rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar
• Socket set
• Wrench set
• Torque wrench
• Ball joint separator (specialty)
• Hammer
• Penetrating oil
• Trim/pick tool

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front lower ball joint or front lower control arm assembly - Qty: 2
• New cotter pins - Qty: 2
• Replacement pinch bolts and nuts - Qty: 2 sets

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Spray penetrating oil on the ball joint and fasteners if they are rusty.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the front wheels

• Use a breaker bar and the correct socket to loosen the front lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.
• Do not remove the lug nuts yet.

Step 2: Raise and support the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper lift point.
• Place jack stands under the front support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Remove the front wheels.

Step 3: Access the ball joint area

• Turn the steering wheel to give yourself more room on the side you are working on.
• Use the correct socket and wrench set to remove any splash shield or fastener blocking access.

Step 4: Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle

• Use the correct socket and wrench to remove the ball joint nut or pinch fastener.
• Use a ball joint separator to free the stud from the knuckle.
• Do not strike the stud directly.

Step 5: Remove the lower control arm or ball joint assembly

• If your Explorer uses a serviceable ball joint, use the correct press or removal method for the joint.
• If the ball joint is part of the lower control arm, use the socket and wrench set to remove the arm mounting bolts.
• Remove the assembly from the vehicle.

Step 6: Install the new part

• Position the new ball joint or control arm into place by hand.
• Use the socket and wrench set to install the mounting hardware finger-tight first.
• Insert the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle and install the new cotter pin or fastener as designed.
• Torque to factory specification.

Step 7: Reassemble the front suspension

• Reinstall any shields or brackets removed earlier.
• Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle with the floor jack.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to factory specification.

Step 8: Repeat on the other side

• Perform the same procedure on the opposite side if replacing both ball joints.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock to check for binding or noise.
• Test drive slowly at first and listen for clunks or looseness.
• Schedule a front-end alignment as soon as possible.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $500-$1,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$350 (parts only)

You Save: $380-$850 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.