How do you change a ball joint on a Ford F 150?

How do you change a ball joint on a Ford F 150?

1. Step 1 – Jack up truck and support with jack stand.
2. Step 2 – Remove wheel and tire.
3. Step 3 – Remove caliper and rotor and set aside.
4. Step 4 – Remove 4WD vacuum lines.
5. Step 5 – Remove anti-lock brake sensor.
6. Step 6 – Separate ball joint from wheel spindle.
7. Step 7 – Separate tie-rod end from wheel spindle.

What happens if a ball joint fails while driving?

A broken ball joint may be the cause of a mysterious clunking noise or drifting steering. And once they’re worn, they will seriously affect your steering and suspension. If a ball joint fails completely, it can even result in the wheel dramatically falling off the car.

Should you replace both ball joints at the same time?

If a customer needs a new ball joint, recommend replacing all of the joints at the same time. If one joint has failed, chances are the other joints may be nearing the end of their service life, too.

How much does it cost to get lower ball joints replaced?

Over time, this component can wear out or break down, and you’ll have to get it replaced. For replacing the lower ball joint, you will pay about $250, on average. The labor ranges from $225 to $285, and the parts can cost you anywhere from $90 to $120.

Is it safe to drive with bad ball joints?

Can I Drive With a Bad Ball Joint? You should not drive with a bad ball joint. Continuing to drive can cause damage to other vehicle components and if the joint fails completely you could lose control of the vehicle, leading to a crash and injuries.

Can ball joints affect alignment?

A ball joints is made to fit tightly into its steel casing; excessive wear will allow for more room for the ball to move in the socket, which can affect wheel alignment, tire wear, and suspension noise. As ball joints wear, this can hamper your ability to steer and control the vehicle.

Should you replace upper and lower ball joints together?

Many technicians recommend replacing both joints at the same time (both lowers, both uppers or all four). Another item that should be checked when ball joints are replaced is the stud hole in the steering knuckle — especially if the ball joint stud has broken or is loose.

How long does it take to replace all 4 ball joints?

It can take a little over an hour to get it replaced, so the full ball joint replacement cost will be between $100 and $400. You never know how much the mechanic is going to charge you until you get the replacement done, but it can help to have an estimate beforehand.