Or can I use a ball joint press and press them out first time being changed?
Feb 22, 2022 at 9:44 AM
Are the upper front ball joints welded in?
2004 FORD EXPLORER
THE9A1968
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Hi,
It is held in by a flange at the top and a circlip under the control arm.
Once you remove the castle nut and separate the steering knuckle, there will be a circlip that you need to remove. Remove the clip and using a ball joint tool, press it out from the control arm.
Install is the reverse.
Pics 1 and 2 show an exploded view of the upper control arm. Pic 3 shows the clip I'm referring to.
Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.
Take care,
Joe
See pics below.
It is held in by a flange at the top and a circlip under the control arm.
Once you remove the castle nut and separate the steering knuckle, there will be a circlip that you need to remove. Remove the clip and using a ball joint tool, press it out from the control arm.
Install is the reverse.
Pics 1 and 2 show an exploded view of the upper control arm. Pic 3 shows the clip I'm referring to.
Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.
Take care,
Joe
See pics below.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Feb 22, 2022 at 8:18 PM
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I needed to know if the original upper ball joint is welded in or not.
Feb 23, 2022 at 5:03 AM
Hi,
Okay, I didn't realize that is what was needed. Yes, they are welded in place. Even if you can get them out, the replacement never fits right. Replace the entire control arm. You can get them really reasonably on rock auto. (I don't have anything to do with them) I just have gotten them there in the past.
Take care and let me know if you have other questions.
Take care,
Joe
Okay, I didn't realize that is what was needed. Yes, they are welded in place. Even if you can get them out, the replacement never fits right. Replace the entire control arm. You can get them really reasonably on rock auto. (I don't have anything to do with them) I just have gotten them there in the past.
Take care and let me know if you have other questions.
Take care,
Joe
Feb 23, 2022 at 6:23 PM