Ball Joints

seanoboyle · #1 (**permalink**) 06-08-2009, 09:52 AM

Has anyone replaced ball joints on a 2001 F-250? I am having a popping noise from the front end when the suspension flexes, the local tire store told me I need them when they replaced my tires and did an alignment on the truck. The Hayes manual says it's beyond the ability of the home mechanic, however I own a press and have done them on an Explorer before. Parts alone are half what the mechanic wants to do the job.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks.

#2 (**permalink**) 06-08-2009, 09:53 AM

ball joints are easy. just takes time and bloody knuckles. is the truck a 4x4

Austinj427 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-08-2009, 09:57 AM

Ball joints are not difficult. I had nearly no wrenching experience when I did mine. Just read a write up and go from there. Im sure i could do them now in less then 2 hours now.

But to be safe, I would set aside an entire day.

PS that popping noise could be your leafs slapping.

I thought I ripped my tcase out the first time I really got them to slap.

Highbeam · #4 (**permalink**) 06-08-2009, 02:12 PM

Popping noise is frequently the sway bar link ends too. Mine does that.

I can't believe the Haynes manual told you to hire a pro. I've used Haynes manuals to replace engines.

#5 (**permalink**) 06-08-2009, 02:15 PM

i have also read in the haynes books to have a "qualified" person do the ball joints...

SCDEALER · #6 (**permalink**) 06-08-2009, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highbeam

I can't believe the Haynes manual told you to hire a pro. I've used Haynes manuals to replace engines.

they are worried about liability issues... the balljoints are a safety issue that if fail could open them up to a lawsuite.

by the way the balljoint replacement is not a big job, just messey and time consuming. take your time and it is no problem

Fletcher

seanoboyle · #7 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009, 04:48 PM

Thanks for all the replies. I ordered the kit from powerstrokeshop.com, $335 including shipping, balljoints, seals and o-rings. seven.three.superdutypsd.com has a great write up. Hopefully the local dealer will press the seals without charging me much. Still I'm $600 under what the local mechanic wants to charge, not that I don't appreciate all they do, just in these times all the money I can save helps. I'll let ya'all know how it goes.
Thanks again