🔧 Ball Joints - Replacement

On your Explorer, the front lower ball joint is typically serviced with the lower control arm assembly, not as a simple bolt-on joint. That means the repair usually involves removing the control arm, transferring it if needed, and then having the front end checked afterward.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle securely on jack stands before removing any suspension parts.
• Do not work under a vehicle held up only by a jack.
• The front suspension is under load; keep hands clear when separating the knuckle and control arm.
• If your Explorer has electronic stability or steering angle calibration needs after the repair, a scan tool may be required.
• Front end alignment is required after ball joint or control arm replacement.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 19mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Breaker bar
• Ratchet
• Ball joint separator (specialty)
• Penetrating oil
• Bungee cord or mechanic's hook
• Paint marker

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front lower control arm assembly with ball joint - Qty: 2
• Front sway bar link hardware - Qty: 2
• Front lower control arm bolts and nuts - Qty: 4
• Front wheel alignment service - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• Raise the front and support it securely with jack stands.
• Remove the front wheels.
• Mark the position of any cam bolts or eccentric washers if equipped.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the front wheel

• Use a 19mm socket to remove the wheel nuts and take off the wheel.
• Set the wheel aside safely.

Step 2: Disconnect the sway bar link if needed

• Use a 15mm socket or 18mm socket to remove the sway bar link from the lower control arm if it blocks access.
• Penetrating oil helps on rusty fasteners.

Step 3: Separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle

• Use a 21mm socket to remove the lower ball joint nut.
• Use a ball joint separator (specialty) to separate the stud from the steering knuckle.
• Support the knuckle with a bungee cord or mechanic's hook so the brake hose is not stretched.

Step 4: Remove the lower control arm

• Use a 21mm socket and 18mm socket to remove the lower control arm mounting bolts.
• Note the position of any cam bolts or washers before removal.
• Remove the control arm from the vehicle.

Step 5: Install the new lower control arm assembly

• Position the new control arm in place by hand first.
• Install the mounting bolts finger-tight only at first.
• Reconnect the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle.
• Install the new ball joint nut and tighten it with a 21mm socket.
• Torque to 95 Nm (70 ft-lbs) for the ball joint nut.

Step 6: Tighten the control arm bolts at ride height

• Raise the suspension slightly so the control arm sits at normal ride height.
• Use a torque wrench and the correct socket to tighten the control arm bolts.
• Torque to the factory specification for your Explorer's lower control arm fasteners.
• Final tightening at ride height helps the bushing last longer.

Step 7: Reinstall sway bar link and wheel

• Reinstall the sway bar link using a 15mm socket or 18mm socket.
• Reinstall the wheel and snug the lug nuts with a 19mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts to 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock to lock to check for binding or noise.
• Inspect the repaired side for loose hardware.
• Have a front wheel alignment performed immediately.
• Test drive slowly at first and listen for clunks or pulling.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $650-$1,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$420 (parts only)

You Save: $470-$780 by doing it yourself!

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

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🎯 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.