Ford Escape: Lower Ball Joints

In this video I show the process I use to replace the lower ball joints in a Ford Escape.
TOOLS USED IN THIS VIDEO:
*Astro 78807 5-Piece Pickle Fork Ball Joint Separator Set: amzn.to/2TKs5N1
*Astro 7897 Ball Joint Service Tool Kit and Master Adapter Set: amzn.to/2DYCqjL
*Astro 9401 10-Piece Snap Ring Pliers Set: amzn.to/2ByAkER
*LCAT6803 Lower Control Arm Tool: amzn.to/2DYCCzv
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--Eric & Vanessa O.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@SouthMainAuto]

TOOLS USED IN THIS VIDEO: *Astro 78807 5-Piece Pickle Fork Ball Joint Separator Set: amzn.to/2TKs5N1 *Astro 7897 Ball Joint Service Tool Kit and Master Adapter Set: amzn.to/2DYCqjL *Astro 9401 10-Piece Snap Ring Pliers Set: amzn.to/2ByAkER *LCAT6803 Lower Control Arm Tool: amzn.to/2DYCCzv

[@clevelandmaker386]

Hannah hit em with the brake clean baby!

[@dmayse1000]

for ur answer on the emery cloth question the term "emery" comes from the type of rock used as the abrasive they glued to the cloth thus making it emery cloth

[@richardtidd2738]

Great job Eric and Hannah, Bought whole arm on Ebay with greaseable ball joint for $40, your videos keep my rides going, thank you

[@kevinanglin678]

Hey Eric O. is the Harbor Freight impact any good? I am thinking about getting one for the house and wondering if they are worth the price.

[@CubasAutomotive]

@@kevinanglin678 the Earthquake has been going strong, I would like to say 1 yr and then some. He has mentioned he digs it in other videos.

[@malcolmyoung7866]

You can NEVER have enough ball joint videos.....

[@bigclivedotcom]

I like the sandpaper flap trick. I'll have to make one of those.

[@rrmech11]

The famous double pickle without the classic reach around. Excellent move.😆😆😆

[@FortyTwoAnswerToEverything]

Sounds like a Mortal Kombat move

[@LAactor]

@@FortyTwoAnswerToEverything or someyhing off the hub type sites online..

[@DiamondMaker69]

It's nice to know Hanna is back helping.

[@ChrisSmith-gr1nc]

Very cool SMA placement at the end. For some reason I want SMA hubs. 😆

[@justhes]

Best pun ever! "You can clean emery-thing you can think of."

[@scientist100]

I like this channel due to the fact that technical and mechanical information is covered across all makes and models, excellent work sir. This is one reasons I dont get get bored from watching is that Eric never backs down from a dirty job even though he could just do diagnosis which could be a headache but in my opinion easier on the hands once understanding of electrical systems. Keep up the great work Eric.

[@freddybowman9905]

Eric I love you videos . I have worked on vehicles for 50 years and watching your channel I have learned a lot . I have replaced 100 s of front Brakes by watching your channel the way you do it makes sense by taking the calibers all the way off and cleaning all surfaces and never seas all the surface . Thanks for all your videos

[@beardoog1]

You need to hide a can of brake clean in the back ground dressed up like a where's waldo. Keep us busy looking for it....love your videos...

[@ToXSicK1340]

Hahaha.... That's a Funny, But Great idea.

[@BruceLyeg]

The green boot and zerk cover be stylin'

[@alejandradenizphotography]

never enough ball joint and brake job videos ! keep em comin’ Eric! 👍🏼

[@Just_Your_Average_Guy]

Good on you, Eric! Congratulations on your video win. I have shared a few of your videos with my wife, who has supported me much in the same way Mrs. O does you for the last 41 years. Her response to me when she saw your intentions for your paying forward your prize was that she wasn't surprised at all, because you're a humble man who has his priorities straight. She also says she wants to come and visit you and your family. And we live in Central California. LOL. If that's not a testament to your status in her eyes, I don't know what is! Again, congratulations!

[@antoniobenitez1315]

I've watched alot of your video's in last 6 months and it made me appreciate looking over the little things that matter that we over look at times. You have great video's and I plan on continuing watching anything more that you put out. Hats off to you for being a fanmonla technician.

[@petemiller5813]

It's cool to see how much Hannah's knowledge has grown since she has been working with you. You are a great mentor, as she is a great student.

[@brianburns7211]

Pete Miller Maybe she can make a few extra buck doing a brake job on some doctor’s BMW, after she finishes nursing school.

[@Oldtimecarpenter]

Just want to say " thanks" for all these fantastic video! I'm just a back yard mechanic and I've learned a lot from you. Very much appreciated! Great sense of humor too!!

[@dougtexas]

You give great tips and advice beyond the job at hand. That sets you apart from most. Growing up listening to my Dad, he would do the same thing. I've always tried to do it also. Sometimes when the bear is 'bout to get ya, you gotta think outside the box!

[@mikecont9742]

Congrats on the win. I had my family and friends vote for you too. I was hoping you would win. Thanks for making these great,informative,and very invaluable videos.

[@patmurphy2472]

Nice job, enjoy your videos. I'm a retired Auto Technician, and it amazes me how much things have changed in ten years. Vehicles are more computer than drive line these days. Enjoy your explanations and diagnoses. Happy Holidays to you and your lovely family.

[@armchairgeneralissimo]

Thanks Eric, I was in the middle of changing the lower control arms on a Focus and got stuck at the pinch bolt. I sure felt stupid after about 10 minutes of hammering when I saw all it took was a good blast from an impact. Also I used your paper towel trick to make a 22mm wrench fit on a 21mm nut for the first time, that saved me a trip to the tool shop.

[@rcrobertson9563]

That lower control arm tool works well and doesn't damage the ball joint boot when you only need to separate the ball joint. I bought mine 25+ years ago and I use it to hold open the back door of the shop...lol

[@gatekeeperofchaos]

Love the classic spin around when your done to show off your handy work...and the back ground music is a bonus 👍

[@mickmclovin3020]

Its how I start my morning... cup of coffee and watching Eric put in a new ball joint... by the way that was a nice early morning post..

[@greggfuller2220]

You da man! Thank you for all your educational value throughout all these videos I feel like a certified KZbin mechanic after watching a series of your videos!

[@jamesfarnham1976]

Great video as always. Hannah right there with the tools. Thanks for all you do!!

[@crisprtalk6963]

never get tired of the nuts and bolts stuff.

[@davidb.fishburn9338]

Funny that you did one today. I did an upper yesterday on my nephew's 02 4x4 Chevy Trailblazer. It was ridiculously easy to do, especially with the ball joint press tool. He rented the tool from AZ, made me wish that i took the big one with me when i transferred from one shop to another a couple of years ago at the dealer i work at. I left behind a giant one, it was left behind by the Hummer service techs when they moved to another dealer in our group. That one woks so well on everything.

[@michaelb.5345]

Nice start for a Monday morning, great video Dr. Eric. I see nurse Hannah is home helping...

[@billysmith6131]

Nice Vid good to see you working on ANYTHING, great timing for the B cleaner, Hanna's right on!! Keep'um coming Mr O!

[@edwardbolton7257]

Great video. Great mechanics make everything look easy and you've accomplished that. Thank you

[@kmweek]

Love the camera show of the new part at the end. Great camera work mrs. G.

[@christopherrogers008]

Just watched this as I have a Mazda tribute. I need to replace my ball joints. But now I worked out where I went wrong. I just learned something. I didn't know to press them out from the top not the bottom. 😱

[@ToXSicK1340]

Mr. O.... Sir, I could Literally watch your Videos NON-STOP all day long!!! lol You do a Fantastic Job at filming, editing & making all these great videos. Thank You very much for sharing.

[@iamnoone.]

When you started cleaning with a shop towel i started screaming brake clean and finely you did be still my heart love those joint videos

[@robertbegley6858]

I sure do learn a lot from you Eric. You make a hard job look easy.

[@brotherbrian1]

It's called Emery Cloth because it has ground up emery for the abrasive. Good for sanding metal and doesn't leave particles behind as bad as traditional sand paper. My dad was a plumber, and it is the perfect thing for cleaning the ends of copper pipes before soldering.

[@stevewhitt9109]

My wife helps me also. One time, she even let me rebuild her carb on her kitchen table when it was freezing outside. Now that is true love :)

[@elcheapo5302]

No matter how many times you do a ball joint or brake job vid, I learn something from each one. Hope you and the SMA family had a great Thanksgiving!

[@ourkid2000]

This one was pretty straightforward. I was so hoping for some carnage! I never have much luck with those pinch bolts or the axle. They're both usually seized solid.

[@Blumx1]

I am impressed how you change a ball joint without swearing - I can never do it :)

[@sierravortec2629]

Keith Sherry I’m impressed he does any repair without swearing or throwing tools.

[@edwardsgarage7427]

I think Eric edits out the swearing and throwing tools and kicking buckets around 😂

[@Jonhenrysneip]

😂

[@minerojek9297]

Great video. Shows start to finish. A lot of how to videos show partial or completion and they go over what they did.

[@ddakota05]

I have to agree as well I installed the TTX ball joints in my Dodge Dakota and love love love them!!

[@samsquires2877]

It doesn’t matter what the video is about I always watch SMA videos.

[@63256325N]

Love the vids. Thanks for _all_ of them!

[@stephenmullenax7346]

Love the videos, thanks for the good times.

[@upallnight888]

The silica grit in emery cloth is adhered to a cloth backing whereas sandpaper the grit is adhered to paper. Sandpaper is used mainly for woodworking whereas emery cloth is used for metal.

[@mike54996]

Emery cloth is also good for wiping your ass if you're in a pinch.

[@edmarkham2632]

Great job. The right tool for the job is so important

[@Paul1958R]

Eric, Great video - thank you to you and Hannah. SMA#1 God bless Paul

[@flash-us9bn]

Nicely done. As always

[@ronaldcach2779]

T-SHIRTS My t shirts came in this week, excellent quality . Now I feel like family. THANKS FRIEND

[@kevinburks110]

Awesome channel! Keep the videos coming! Your videos are very informative and detailed plus they drive my wife nuts so it's a win win!!

[@CaptainNero]

Got all fancy with the views of new ball joint proper placement of your logo over the rotor that was sweet

[@lonwillis783]

LOL Love the music at the end. Happy Holidays to you and everyone!

[@forthrightnight]

Good job on the musical interlude edit. Very reminiscent of Neistat and Goonzquad. "I don't have a good answer for your question." A phrase I have a hard time saying. Always glad when Hanners/Marie is/are in the house. Cheers from B.C.

[@mattdykhouse]

I love the sledge...good old tap hahaha. I don't know why but I found that hilarious. Your vids are awesome.

[@robertevans6481]

Great work Dr O and Hanna...

[@lasegundaenmiendagmail8170]

dont be afraid to repeat videos, they are always fun!

[@UBBERTANKER]

those ttx joints do seem real nice, I was very impressed with them when I put them in my sierra.

[@vikingcove]

You gave me some tips I'd not seen in other videos. Thank you. I don't know if you did it (I only watched your video to about 6 minutes), and not a tip I'd seen elsewhere, but I found that removing the upper strut > knuckle bolt & loosening the lower bolt made removing & re-installing the ball joint stud MUCH easier. It allowed me to match the angle of the stud to the arc of the swing -- you'll know what I mean if you try it.

[@EpicMedia7]

Did a really good job explaining everything !

[@mortyh1248]

Really enjoy your videos

[@fastdonald]

Excellent video man. Thanks!

[@jamesbruno5896]

Need to try that brand they look like quality replacements, great video Eric!

[@philrineman1736]

Another great video Eric. Anytime you work on a escape front suspension and the abs tone ring doesn’t fall off you did good 🤣.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Great tutorial again Eric and Hannah 😊

[@easchit]

You actually make the job look fun!

[@TheTheomax]

Another fine video by SMA. The tool that you made is it called the Power hone and hole cleaner ( use at your own risk) Patent Pending of course. I can't get enough ball joint/brake job videos. Thank you

[@j.markkrzystofiak9907]

Fancy green color to improve your quarter mile times! Great video as always fella!

[@peterlindop4491]

Excellent video, well done. Keep up the good work.

[@joec.7899]

Just came across your video. Excellent job and quick! I've got a 2006 Ford escape that I'll be inspecting tomorrow. After replacing the sway bar links, I still have a little rattling going on. Didn't inspect the ball joints to see if they were bad also. A lift would be nice!

[@danielvaldezaguirre]

Undisputable KZbin's brake and ball joint authority! Monday morning ain't that bad with a fresh SMA vijayo!

[@SmittySmithsonite]

When you live in the Northeastern USA, ball joints are just regular maintenance every 30k, along with shocks & exhaust. Sure keeps us busy, though! 😁 Nice set of silverware Astro sent you! Now that I think of it, I've never bought a pickle fork in my life. Actually the only one I bought was an attachment for "Little Nasty", my Home Depot air hammer (think it's a Central Pneumatic brand). Been using my grandpa's and my ol' man's stuff for almost 30 years now. I only broke one of them so far. The rest are severely mushroomed, lol. I used to think that's how they came. 😊 Speaking of "the Rusty Nipple", we used to have a 'rip joint around here called, "the Fuzzy Grape". Not sure what they were referring to there ... 😂

[@geneintn9320]

Excellent, as always!!!!!!!!

[@haydenuk02]

Great job Eric keep up the great content

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Eric O I have the astro ball joint master kit love it them pickle fork set will come in handy

[@ice44567]

Dang, you make this look so easy. I have to do ball joints and control arms on a Sable soon and I'm not looking forward to it. That control arm leverage tool is awesome by the way, i've never seen anything like it before.

[@kboomarangfinch167]

Jebediah Emery would be so proud to know that he was immortalized in a SMA video, if he could get his mind around the whole concept of videos, awesome Mr O and Miss H.

[@TheCitroenman1]

in the uk we call them a ball joint splitter but its alot easy to use a chisel between the pinch bold housing to pop the wishbone out .

[@dannyrodriguez6734]

Love the snap on torque wrench used it all the time from shop owner oldy but goodie

[@SuperSportSS]

Never stop making videos!

[@shadetreemech290]

Love the music and camera work in the end. Your productions are getting more professional.

[@mynock250]

Another relaxing video of Mr O hammering on a Ford.

[@randycarpenter2914]

To answer the question on emery cloth and sand paper. One is cloth as stated and is sturdy in use. The other is paper and does not last long. There are different grades of both. Thanks Eric for all the videos.

[@BigHatsince98]

Thanks dude, I was having an issue getting these off of one. I never thought of using to forks like that.

[@BigDaddy_MRI]

I’m an electrical engineer. Master’s degree. I had a professor describe a potentiometer as infinitely adjustable resistor within a certain range. We all just sat there, like “HUH?” Finally he said it was just an ironic aside. Again the crickets in the room. He gave up. Actually, it was funny 30 years later. I guess we all had to grow up a little. Excellent video. Glad Hanna is there to give you some help. Thanks Mr. O. Going to Teaspring for some of your shirts. Have a great day.

[@claytonfite3197]

I like the Ford escape and explorer videos. You seem to do more Chevys. I've been watching you for a year now. I'm thinking of supporting monthly. I do appericiate all the great tips you share. Awesome work Eric. Good luck keep up the great videos. Hope to see more Ford escapes and explorers.

[@tjoelfoster]

Always amazed to look at the rust on those salt-belt cars. This summer I bought an '08 Mariner one owner with 106k (same as the '11 in this video) and it looks new under there compared to this one. Great info though, if I or my GM technician son undertake this project when it needs it.

[@georgeswindolljr1980]

You are a hoot!!! Love your channel!!!!

[@chriholt]

Hanner! In town for thanksgiving I assume? She always adds so much to the vids.

[@germanvasquez3226]

The best explanation ever

[@klwthe3rd]

I'm just about ready to place my Amazon order right through the SMA links for all my Christmas needs. I wish Eric O could put most of his tools and gizmos in the store cause he has a ton of great stuff I wanna buy. Only right to give him the kickback for showing us what works best. Cyber Monday rules.

[@livnowpayl8r]

Not a "kickback"... a 'commission'!

[@klwthe3rd]

@@livnowpayl8r Oh did I say that? Sorry. Lol. Commission it is.

[@SaltyTubers]

Are we not talking about that candy dish of a brake rotor? Assuming customer said ... just fix the part that will kill me this week, next week I'll worry about the rest of it. Great video Mr. O and Hanner!!

[@bobmoy3406]

wow, you did a Cliff Clavin while explaining emery paper to Hanna....lol Great double pickle fork action. Hope you and your family had a great Thanksgiving.

[@AVRPEZ]

I've spent 4 hours trying to get my ball joint out and you did it in less than 4 minutes, haha. I've going to try some of the ideas you used and see if I can get it to break free. I have a Mazda CX-9, looks like the same exact setup though.

[@danielrivera5858]

thanks that's a neat way to use the emery cloth i will be making me one of those thank you very much

[@dg98adams]

Thanks Eric, just did the ABS tone ring and lower ball joint on my 08 Escape. On opposite sides of course!

[@throttlebottle5906]

never fails, I'd have done the ball-joint on the tone ring side anyway and probably the tone ring on the other if it was my own lol.

[@dg98adams]

I have 3 Escapes, 2 08's and one 13..... from now on though I'm changing lower control arms, LOL.

[@throttlebottle5906]

probably wise, because of "rubber bushing" failure. but they look strong overall, as compared to the thin boxed junk that rusts from inside out (gm, hyundai and others) ;) pretty much ball joints and bushing fail around the same time in the rust belt and also the boxed arms rust out from inside out here. I nearly made the mistake of getting ball-joints and bushing for a vehicle, but by pure luck I went with slightly cheaper "time/material" cost and got the whole arms, I only noticed after I pulled them off, that they were very swiss-cheese rusted out and ready to cause a wreck forget the other parts failing!

[@nathz86]

Hej Erik O. Big fan from Denmark. Love your video.

[@Qusin111]

Emery cloth is a type of coated abrasive that has emery glued to a cloth backing. It is used for hand metalworking. It may be sold in sheets or in narrow rolls, typically 25 or 50 mm wide, often described as "emery tape". The cloth backing makes emery cloth stronger in tension than sandpaper, but still allows a sheet to be conveniently torn to size.

[@dougdileo4727]

also crocus cloth is a great product as well it is an oxide abrasive for metal cleaning and polishing...i don't see it much any more

[@fuckjewtube69]

I have broken that lower bolt one time. I heat them every time now. It was real fun drilling it out with Walmart drill bits.

[@reinhardeder1829]

really nice Job Eric