- Metric wrench set
- Allen key set
- Flat head screwdriver
- Pry bar
- 19mm combination wrench
- 21mm deep well socket
- breaker bar
- Rubber mallet
- Pickle fork or ball joint separator
- Penetrating spray
Instructions
Steps: Rearrangement:
1. Safety first. Park the Explorer on a flat, stable surface and apply the parking brake. Chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Disconnect the vehicle’s negative battery terminal.
2. Hoist the vehicle. Either use ramps or a jack and jack stands to raise the Explorer high enough to fit under it comfortably to work. Remove the vehicle’s front tires.
3. Spray away. Once you’re underneath the vehicle, apply penetrating spray to the upper and lower ball joint bolts to loosen them. Let it soak in for a few minutes.
Upper ball joint:
4. Pull the cotter pin. Start with the upper ball joint. Find the cotter pin on top of the ball joint nut and pull it out with pliers.
5. Loosen the ball joint nut. Use the 21mm deep well socket and breaker bar to loosen the ball joint nut.
6. Free the ball joint. Take the pry bar and pry between the upper control arm and the steering knuckle. The ball joint should pop free. If needed, use a ball joint separator.
Lower ball joint:
7. Dislodge the ball joint. Next, free up the lower ball joint the same way you did the upper ball joint; pry the lower control arm from the spindle.
8. Remove the bolts. There will be two Allen-head bolts holding the lower ball joint in place. Remove these with the appropriate sized Allen key.
9. Slide out the joint. Once the bolts are out, slide the lower ball joint out and remove it.
10. Slide in replacements. Slide the replacement upper and lower ball joints in place.
11. Tighten the bolts. Put the Allen-head bolts back into the lower ball joint and tighten using an Allen key.
12. Add the nut and cotter pin. Finally, slide the nut back onto the upper ball joint and tighten it with a wrench. Insert a cotter pin to secure the nut.
Finishing up
13. Tighten all bolts. Check all the bolts on both ball joints to make sure they are tight.
14. Reconnect the battery. Now you’re done, you can reattach the vehicle’s battery negative terminal and remount the tires.
15. Lower the vehicle. Slowly lower your Explorer off of the jack stands or ramps and remove them. You can now test drive your Explorer to ensure proper function.
