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Ball Joint Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2004 Ford Excursion, and 2004 Ford Cab & Chassis. 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. Refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
  2. Prior to carrying out any inspection of the ball joints, inspect the front wheel bearings. Refer to WHEEL BEARING INSPECTION .
  3. Position a safety stand beneath the front axle to be tested.
    Fig 1: Positioning Safety Stand Beneath Front Axle
    G02768472Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. While an assistant pulls and pushes the bottom of the tire, observe the relative movement between the lower spindle arm and the front axle. Any movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged lower ball joint. Install a new lower ball joint as necessary. Refer to FRONT - 2WD or FRONT - 4WD LEAF SPRING .
    Fig 2: Identifying Lower Spindle Arm
    G02768473Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. While an assistant pulls and pushes the top of the tire, observe the relative movement between the upper spindle arm and the front axle. Movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged upper ball joint. Install a new upper ball joint as necessary. Refer to FRONT - 2WD or FRONT - 4WD LEAF SPRING .
    NOTE: To inspect the ball joints for binding (torque required to turn), carry out Steps 6 through 12.
  6. Place the vehicle on the alignment rack with the front wheels on low friction turn plates.
  7. Remove the outer tie-rod cotter pin and nut.
    Fig 3: Identifying Outer Tie-Rod Cotter Pin & Nut
    G02768474Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Disconnect the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle.
    Fig 4: Disconnecting Tie-Rod From Wheel Knuckle
    G02768475Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Install a bolt and nut through the hole in the wheel knuckle and tighten the nut.
  10. Attach a suitable click-style torque wrench that is set at 135 Nm (100 lb-ft) to the nut, making sure that the handle of the wrench is pointing towards the front of the vehicle.
  11. Pull on the torque wrench, turning the wheel knuckle outwards.
  12. If the torque wrench clicks before the wheel knuckle begins to turn, install a new lower ball joint and a new upper ball joint.
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