2014 Ford Explorer Control Arm Replacement

Just want to post videos on how to do your own jobs. I hope this saves you money like it did me and my family. Enjoy!

[@simeon0728]

One of the most helpful videos I've seen in a long time. Thanks

[@kellypayne1096]

Hey brother... so glad I found this video. You remind me of a much younger me when I'd tackle all sorts of repairs. This is on my list! thank you for sharing.

[@Ajstacklebox]

Thank you my brother. Hope you get it done! Get that alignment done after you’re done

[@kellypayne1096]

@@Ajstacklebox I did! And honestly, your video made the job so easy. I was on this within days of hand surgery... did it with my split on.

[@Ajstacklebox]

@@kellypayne1096 Awesome! So glad it helped

[@Nylonresonance]

This is genius but that first lower control arm bolt looks almost exactly like the outer tie rod bolt, which was an absolute nightmare to get off here in NY with all the rust. I'm gonna PB blast the heck out of it for a few days before I try all this just to see if it comes off. If it does, then I will just replace the whole lower control arm. Smart stuff.

[@davidfoster6500]

Awesome DIY video very informative and helpful thank you for sharing

[@davidfoster6500]

I’m getting ready to do this job replacement both control arms,inner and outer tie rods,sway bar bushings,sway bar links,and both front complete struts and this how to video is very helpful and gives me the confidence to tackle this job thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@mauriced18]

Bro you broke it down didnt skip or edit nothing. Thanks very helpful

[@Ajstacklebox]

Glad it helped bro! Sub to the channel!

[@jamar4487]

Awesome brother. Appreciate your knowledge. Thanks for walking me through this. I am going to be doing this on my 2014 Explorer this week. Keep the vids coming.

[@Ajstacklebox]

Get it bro! You can do it!

[@PL2550Dolphins]

@@Ajstacklebox Hi... I hear a grinding noise and feel a scrubbing on turns and slight turns. I was told that was because of the bushings worn out on the control arm. Does that sound right to you? And will this repair will fix that?

[@Ajstacklebox]

@@PL2550Dolphins sounds like the wheel bearings. If you replace one replace both

[@PL2550Dolphins]

@Hoodsaintfishing ... so the wheel bearings is the same as the front control arms?

[@Ajstacklebox]

@@PL2550Dolphins no, google wheel bearings. Those usually make a grinding noise when the are bad

[@kevinanderson9243]

Awesome video! I thought I needed the universal adapter tool kit. Because the bushings/ball joint are ALREADY on the control arm, I don't need them! Woohoo! 3 bolts and the ball joint nut and I'm home free! Great video! Basically in "real time" as well! Thanks!👍👍😁

[@Ajstacklebox]

Awesome! So glad this helped someone

[@andrescrux]

My thoughts exactly 🫡😅

[@bfrmotorsports6297]

Thanks for video brother. Gotta do the wife's explorer next week.

[@Ajstacklebox]

Hope it helps bro!

[@robertardner1311]

Thanks for going through all the steps - I didn't think of using the screwdriver to align the holes, just hit with the hammer a bunch but I'll try your way on the next one. My car Flex lives in the NE so I am jealous of all those rust-free bolts.

[@Ajstacklebox]

Originally from KC I know what you mean

[@insomman]

Thanks for the video man, this is what i needed before i tried it myself. I live in Ohio, i'm jealous of how easy you got those bolts out

[@Ajstacklebox]

Lol glad it could help. Just make sure you put some good penetrating fluid on there and let it sit overnight if you can. Do me a favor and hit the sub button it really helps the channel!

[@skinnedtoad69]

I’m in Michigan and I’m jealous of how easy the Ohio guy got his bolts out.

[@Rokurō03]

Thanks so much very helpful!! I had to cut my ball joint off because it wouldn’t unscrew any further after I almost had it all the way off. But then I just got the sawzall on it and cut it off in about 4 mins. I kind of figured it was going to come to that since the state I live in has pretty bad winters and it was the factory arm.

[@COWBOYZNATION]

😮

[@scottcieslik269]

Great video, got a 13 identical to yours that needs this done !

[@Ajstacklebox]

Hope it helps! Do me a favor and hit the subscribe and bell! Helps the channel

[@blackenigma1054]

That’s the same lower control arm that’s on a 08 saturn vue xr!........ Really good job, i replaced mine about a year ago with some from 1 a auto and that whole suspension kit i bought from them have to be replaced. Nothing but gm parts from now on.

[@macker0077]

Thanks for the vid. Why did you need to replace the control arm? What were the symptoms of it failing?

[@wide2thebuzz]

Great video man, I will be doing this soon

[@COWBOYZNATION]

Alot of guys try to tackle JUST that rear bushing on these- Just get the whole lower arm for like $30 bucks more!!

[@TerdisLesezchuan]

I have only watched half the video but so far this is one of the best examples of how to do it in your driveway. Are those yokohama yk-ctx tires? how do you like them? I just got them on my explorer

[@Crabtronics]

Just did the rear upper and lower controls arms on my 2015 ford Taurus..doing fronts this weekend..also just got done replacing struts in all 4 corners and rear toe like/lateral links..got sway bar links for all 4 corners coming w/the front control arm kits I ordered..the 3.5 is strong af mines got 152k on the odometer and no engine issue whatsoever..suspension has been different..that shit all needed replacing lol

[@guiaes]

Awesome video, you’re a life saver. Thank you.

[@PipoZaro]

Nice video, really is the best school..!! Regards from Copiapó, Chile.

[@Ajstacklebox]

Saludos Chile!!!

[@gloglo1275]

Hey man, thanks for the video. I’ve spent over 5 hours on the ball joint but. It just spins and spins. I used another jack to lift it under the ball joint but no luck. I was about to get ready to cut the stupid thread/nut but my metal cutting tool doesn’t fit very well in that spot. Not even sure what to do.

[@CraigCloutier]

I used a dremel to cut the nut off.

[@gloglo1275]

@@CraigCloutier Yeah I bought the nice nifty Milwaukee small metal cutter.

[@Ajstacklebox]

Not sure what you mean I’d have to see

[@gloglo1275]

@@Ajstacklebox I got it. I had to cut it off with an angle grinder.

[@ianmackey6097]

Thank you for posting, VERY helpful

[@TrillHoggFosho]

Great work I just changed the sway bar links on my wife explorer to only find out now I got to change the lower control arms as well 🤦🏿‍♂️

[@Ajstacklebox]

It’s not bad with the right tools

[@Ajstacklebox]

Be safe as well

[@jose2940]

Appreciate it bro. I'm doing a side job an wanted to first see so I can know how much to charge him

[@Ajstacklebox]

Make sure they get an alignment after

[@opera5714]

I also have a 14 and I get this drone over 40mph. One other guy reported this and he replaced this. I've done bushings on much older explorers, but they always just had a clunk. What did you notice that caused you to replace this. My bushing doesn't obviously look bad. New bushings always make an amazing difference in the ride.

[@Ajstacklebox]

After replacing I still notice a clunk. I believe it’s coming from the drivers side cv axle

[@JB-ey1le]

@@Ajstacklebox strut bearings is the clunk

[@richardwadd8216]

great job.. this convinced me to hire some one.....

[@GX--X01]

Lol

[@rickruggieri7284]

You did great up until you torqued the wheel lugnuts in completely the wrong sequence! Otherwise good video. Good photography. Not only a clear and sharp image but camera was positioned very well where we could see everything that you were doing. Many videos lack that.

[@Ajstacklebox]

Thank you! I try to help people with these. 🙏🏽

[@artbackwards]

I had to cut my bolts off with a Makita multi tool. Took about 5 minutes with a hardened steel blade. Got both cut with one Rockwell blade.

[@Ajstacklebox]

Rockwell multitool goes hard too

[@domnation27]

Same here! Cussin up a storm the whole tjme

[@alexthefixerupper4134]

I just did this job my ball joint nuts were frozen. Had to put jack under ball joint’s so they wouldn’t spin when losing the castle nut. Other then that wasn’t that bad.

[@Chuck_S]

Great how too video!! You need to go to Harbor freight and get you some metric and sae wrenches!

[@DioLanPTY]

Hola. Buen video. Justo tengo que cambiar esos control arm de mi explorer. Como te ha ido con esa marca que compraste? Para ver si compro los mismos. Gracias

[@Ajstacklebox]

Bien

[@mahnooryazdani4121]

Awesome job!

[@rodolfojaen810]

Excelente video bro. Una pregunta¿hay que aliniar las ruedas una ves se hace el cambio de esta pieza?

[@Ajstacklebox]

Si!

[@Vik_ter]

good job. just remember not to tighten down any bushing bolts until the weight of the vehicle is on them. this helps settle the load on the bushing and it wont squeak.

[@mikeclement5383]

Great video.

[@jetbecerra]

Did u have to add grease?

[@Ajstacklebox]

@@jetbecerra no

[@pandavelli8176]

Thanks for the video 👌

[@NG-tz8wo]

This is 1k in savings if you do it yourself. Good video sir. Just be careful when moving the lower ball joint out. I made the mistake of pulling the knuckle outwards and it pulled the axle out. Now the boot is tore and I’m replacing it.

[@joek0617]

Use a strap

[@NG-tz8wo]

@@joek0617 def will next time

[@joek0617]

@@NG-tz8wo yeah, im thinking of just doing this prior to an alignment mine needs anyway. New tires, new control arms, new stab links, new tie rod ends.

[@NG-tz8wo]

@@joek0617 I did it because 1 of my tie rod ends were bad. So I replaced all of it both sides. My explorer has 160k on it so I’m hoping it last the rest of the lifetime.

[@mayom277]

Buen video sr. Saludos desde México.

[@Ajstacklebox]

Saludos amigo!

[@AMadrigal72]

Great video man.

[@arkimedesd]

You need alignment after replacing the control arm?

[@Ajstacklebox]

Yes

[@Crypto_G_]

How did the control arm hold up quality wise and did you hear any rattling noise?

[@Ajstacklebox]

Held up great. No rattling

[@markgates5268]

Thanks for this. I’m not mechanical inclined at all so I would definitely need someone to do for me. Can you tell me how much I am looking at to have a reputable shop do for me? As noted below, I think I probably will want to have new stab links and tie rod ends done too. Many thanks!

[@Ajstacklebox]

Probably looking at around $800 total for parts and labor

[@markgates5268]

@@Ajstacklebox That sounds reasonable for everything, Thanks! Great video BTW

[@COWBOYZNATION]

How many miles was on this one to warrant new lower control arms??

[@Ajstacklebox]

Over 100k

[@COWBOYZNATION]

Just did both of my wife's '16 Explorer FWD yesterday. Also hit both outer swaybar end links at this time. One side had play at the bottom link and I always replace in pairs. Her SUV had an annoying rattle/knock noise just driving straight down the road. It has 137k on it now. These new parts eliminated that noise. The lower arm rear bushing felt like jello in there. I could wiggle that bushing easily with one hand!!! The new Motorcraft complete replacements were so much more solid. The right lower ball joint had slight play too....

[@Ajstacklebox]

@@COWBOYZNATION yeah we had an annoying knock too

[@COWBOYZNATION]

@@Ajstacklebox Well, thanks for the video. It helps us "shade tree" mechanics before we decide to tackle the job on our own. 👍

[@Ajstacklebox]

@@COWBOYZNATION glad I could provide some value to my subs

[@JeffStangFire]

will this work on a 2016?

[@Ajstacklebox]

Not sure

[@House_Stark]

I bought that very same control arm from Precision. How's it holding up? I didn't want to pay over $250 for the OEM from Motorcraft if this one will hold up.

[@macker0077]

If you plan to keep the vehicle, best to buy the ones that are greaseable, i.e. have a nipple on the ball joint. They will last a lot longer shooting some grease in with a grease gun (cheap) periodically.

[@fabientremblay406]

Hi, is this the same procedure with the driver's side arm???

[@Ajstacklebox]

Yessir!

[@dtkkindred1509]

Where did you get your lower control arm from

[@Ajstacklebox]

O’Reilly

[@rhurtadorh32]

Do you need a wheel aligment after changing the control arms?

[@williamwilde141]

Yes.

[@jamesreddington2885]

If you change one side, should you change the other side as well?

[@Ajstacklebox]

I would recommend that yes

[@jamesreddington2885]

@@AjstackleboxI had a wheel baring issue and under warranty they changed multiple parts because it was seized, including the control arm but didn’t change the other side

[@Ajstacklebox]

@@jamesreddington2885 yeah they will charge more but it’s up to you if you want to change the other one. You don’t have to. I was just recommending it if you already doing it

[@marcomorones4574]

Did you have any symptoms before the A arm replacement?

[@txpyroguy817]

What symptoms were you having while driving with the bad bushings? Reason I ask is our 2018 is starting to ride rough over bumps and you can actually feel it in the floorboards. It only has 68,000 miles on it.

[@Ajstacklebox]

It was more of a knocking sound

[@dtkkindred1509]

The video help alot

[@daddydoza6370]

How is the control arm holding up trying to buy one but don't trust aftermarket parts

[@garrettwright5478]

Not sure if you ended up getting your answer, but I highly suggest MOOG. They're probably the closest you'll get to OEM without spending nearly $500. Ford wants about $280 a pop, and MOOG is $113 on their site or $94 on Amazon. I'm strapped on cash, car has nearly 215k, so I'm gonna save money now then maybe replace them with OEM later. Just depends on your preference, MOOG does have a outstanding reputation.

[@josepharagon8259]

I think you made easy work out of this. One suggestion before you tighten your bolts- compress the strut so your bushings are stressed with the normal weight of the vehicle….

[@Ajstacklebox]

Thanks for the tip

[@doyleholloway1818]

great video but would be a lot easier if you have a correct box/open end wrenches instead of using a adjustable wrench.

[@Ajstacklebox]

I agree lol

[@JesusSanchez-007]

That lower ball joint nut its a pain takes wayy too long I just work it out a bit grab my saw saw and cut it off cause new arms came with ball joints and new nuts

[@Ajstacklebox]

Thanks for the tip bro! Makes sense too

[@justmeinnh2]

You need a alignment after that as well...

[@Ajstacklebox]

Absolutely

[@BIGGGJOHN171]

Good job !

[@johnmccloud1831]

Did your have lots of road noise?

[@Ajstacklebox]

No, with these it’s more clunking noises

[@henrysaldana1]

i did this but i believe i blew out the ball joints not sure how?

[@Ajstacklebox]

Wow! On the new ones??

[@jamesonkruger6989]

Everything I read says to torque that to 295# I feel like I'm gonna snap it

[@MrBriandrifter]

links to prod please

[@Ajstacklebox]

www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2014/ford/explorer/suspension/control_arm.html?rp=control_arm_and_ball_joint_assembly_set

[@Ajstacklebox]

Got you bro

[@Ajstacklebox]

@MrBriandrifter

[@MrBriandrifter]

@@Ajstacklebox thank you so much bro. so how is it so far since you changed?

[@Ajstacklebox]

@@MrBriandrifter works great no problems at all

[@cachimessinava4441]

Sabes ruidos ase cuando está dañado control arm

[@Ajstacklebox]

Puede aser varios ruidos. Tiene que chekar tambien los struts

[@Ajstacklebox]

Me hace el favor de suscribir!

[@Darien2025Warren]

My turn thank you sir

[@JayCeeMax]

I can't hear you that well

[@Ajstacklebox]

Your volume must be low. No one has told me anything about the audio

[@juanvarela8822]

Mexicanos por favor 🙏 fijensen bien por quien estarían votando

[@nikitaso]

would've been so much easier on a lift

[@mauriced18]

Nice bully

[@Aleksandr_Nevsky24]

Передний сайлентблок надо затягивать на загруженной подвеске. В вашем случае он быстро выйдет из строя, т.к. постоянно будет в напряжении.

[@andrescrux]

I've already got my control arm off rockauto no way I'm paying Ford 513$⚠️🤣 Ford quoted 286$ for the same part you can get yourself online for 168$ 🤔 Juice alert😭💯 Then they want $98 hr for labor♿️😭 my drunk uncle will throw it on for sum newports&beer🫡🇵🇷😅