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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 546 (Suspension System) >> Removal And Installation >> Ball Joint - Lower, 2WD >> Removal and Installation

Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING
    2. NOTE: The wheel speed sensor connectors are located in the engine compartment and are secured to the fender aprons.
    Fig 1: Disconnecting Wheel Speed Sensor Connector
    G03180159Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector.
  3. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to WHEEL AND TIRE - FRONT .
  4. Detach the harness from the retainers.
    Fig 2: Detaching Harness From Retainers
    G03180160Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    5. CAUTION: Do not allow the disc brake caliper to hang suspended from the brake hose. Provide suitable support.
    Fig 3: Removing Bolts And Position Brake Caliper And Support Bracket Aside
    G03180161Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Remove the bolts and position the brake caliper and support bracket aside.
  6. Remove the brake disc.
    Fig 4: Removing Brake Disc
    G03180162Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Remove and discard the cotter pin and the castellated nut.
    Fig 5: Removing Cotter Pin And Castellated Nut
    G03180163Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    8. CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will result.
    CAUTION: Do not damage the tie-rod boot when installing the special tool.
    Fig 6: Separating Tie-Rod From Wheel Knuckle Using Special Tool
    G03180164Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle.
  9. Remove and discard the cotter pin and the castellated nut.
    Fig 7: Removing Cotter Pin And Castellated Nut
    G03180165Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    10. CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will result.
    Fig 8: Separating Lower Ball Joint From Wheel Knuckle Using Special Tool
    G03180166Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Using the special tool, separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle. Reinstall and hand-tighten the lower ball joint castellated nut.
  11. Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.
    Fig 9: Removing Upper Ball Joint Nut
    G03180167Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    12. CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will result.
    CAUTION: Do not damage the ball joint boot when installing the special tool.
    Fig 10: Separating Upper Ball Joint From Wheel Knuckle Using Special Tool
    G03180168Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. Using the special tool, separate the upper ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
  13. Remove the hand-tightened lower ball joint castellated nut and remove the wheel knuckle.
  14. Remove the snap ring from the ball joint. Discard the snap ring.
    Fig 11: Removing Snap Ring From Ball Joint
    G03180169Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  15. Using a suitable ball joint remover tool, remove the ball joint.
    Fig 12: Removing Ball Joint
    G03180170Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    16. CAUTION: Do not damage the ball joint boot when installing the special tool.
    NOTE: Clean and inspect the control arm ball joint bore for damage before installing a new ball joint.
    NOTE: Make sure the new ball joint snap ring is fully seated.
  16. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
    • Always install new castellated nuts and cotter pins.
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