How to Install Upper Ball Joints Only...Without Removing Control Arm. Ford Explorer 2003-05

[@fletchhntr]

You saved me a bundle of cash. I watched your video. I investigated my control arms/ ball joints assemblies on my 2002 Ford Explorer. The control arms were in good shape. The ball joints were shot. I pressed out the old and in the new. Both sides were installed with relative ease. The tools did the work. I would not have attempted the job if I had not seen your work. Thanks for bolstering my confidence.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Great! These days every penny counts and time is priceless!! Thanks for watching!

[@falsealarmno]

​@Fixing With Passion Hello. I noticed that you didn't remove the axle. I've seen videos where they were removed.

[@paulthepainter2366]

This is sooo much better than the one that comes up first when searching. Liked and subscribed

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!

[@Good2go6894]

Thanks for posting this DIY video. Even today there's not much information about replacing just the upper ball joints. I recently went to get a front end alignment only to learn I had to Install a camber/caster kit before the alignment could be done. After installing the kit I realized I also needed both upper ball joints. This DIY video saved me alot of money

[@MartinGarcia-lg7zx]

Bro a cam kit is less than 20$ 😮 be a man and fix your car the right way

[@timonraccoon]

Yeah also make sure when you are installing the new upper ball joint to give the bolt plenty of space to not touch the bottom of the press because mine touched against the metal and it blew the boot off the bolt and completely destroyed it. Now I gotta wait a week for the new one to come in

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!

[@osirissifuentes7322]

I was worried about it but u made me feel confident ... thank you

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!

[@luiscotto8405]

Thank you! I like the way you teach, simple and to the point! Thanks again!

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!

[@bionicsasquatch]

Thank you Nathan I don't have a lot of money to be throwing away and this saved my butt. Plus I like working on my own stuff and this was a great step by step helps a lot.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!

[@manbearpig2164]

I did my lowers the other day, my remover kit didn't have the right sleeve, so I made one , took almost 4 hours, great video, straight to the point

[@michaelcarletti766]

great video!! I was looking just to replace the baal joint and not th whole control arm and couldnt find any videos! thanks for your time and wisdom

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!

[@theshovster8505]

I’ve been doing Everything I can possibly think of for 2 days trying to get the upper ball joint out! It won’t budge!!!

[@FixingWithPassion]

O wow!

[@regthebackyardjackofalltrades]

Thank you. I used some of your points 8n your video, FordTechMakuloco and others to get the job done. I couldn’t knock the upper ball joint loose with a 2lb Brass hammer or even my 3lb mallet(I didn’t want to mar my aluminum knuckles). I used my angle grinder to cut the stud apart then pressed the lower ball joint loose. I was able to press the upper half out(it took some time and ingenuity) but the issue was pressing out the upper ball joint stud. I went to my driveway and secured the knuckle to my work platform, flattened to stud to fit the separator. At that time my neighbor came to look and I didn’t have the time to talk. I told him to get out the way but he had to look. I got mad after because the 2” stud ricochet off my driveway increased with speed and barely missed him. I had to walk across the street to get the stud. All worked well, no one hurt. I only have a grainy video but if you slow it down you can see the stud fly.

[@walterkuhlmann981]

I must of watched 9 videos your was the only one used old school common sense. I just needed a refresher course.

[@beauperson4298]

Thank you for posting this. You're experience and instructions were spot on and saved my time and money.

[@michaelschnell5874]

Thank you so much! I was just getting stumped and found this video. Worked like a charm! Lubed ball joint with bagbalm lol worked GREAT

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!~~

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice

[@7thfloorisnomoreq790]

Wow what a antique looking jack.

[@FixingWithPassion]

1935 ish

[@juangudino3939]

I found this video a little to late but for the next job thanks for sharing very good

[@Isgood2beKing]

Friend thank you so much , i have a 1996 and both upper ball are just the bolt, the rubber is gone, but the control arms looks great, Thanks for the tip, And the trick of saw it of, You have a new subscriber

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!

[@karmelcox7210]

Must say you totally saved on my explorer

[@DanaTucker1]

I failed inspection in Virginia for the upper ball joint. They were happy to fix it at $595.00. The auto part store sold it to me for $54.99, the best they had. How can I send you a cup of coffee!!!!

[@BigDish101]

What a rip off. Got my two front uppers from RockAuto for $3.75 each.

[@rabmeem67]

My '03 Exploder has the same problem and I was going to replace both control arms but both are in good condition. I guess I know what I am doing next weekend. Thanks for the video!

[@FixingWithPassion]

Happy Fixing!

[@miguelhernandez4914]

Ray-Ray M. I have a cuestion i did the same to install the same balljoint but everthing same to be fine but i toom the car for a road test the balljoint pop up. I tie the nut very well so i dont undestand

[@rabmeem67]

Did you press the ball joint all the way down like in the video? It should have been really hard to get that pressed into the control arm.

[@miguelhernandez4914]

Ray-Ray M yes a did it was all the way down but

[@miguelhernandez4914]

I wish i can upload a video. Of it

[@juanalonzo536]

Great video I’m going to do my ball joints soon now that I know how to do it 👍

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!!

[@goodsonfam727]

Well informative. Thank you so much for your time.

[@Milo270_]

Thank you, very much for showing this video, I going to try this, I have an old Lincoln Navi 2003 top and bottom ball joints messed up need to be replaced, kit cost like 200,and labor was 400... that’s super expensive, thanks again

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yea...i know...crazy!

[@AntoineFinch]

Just did the passenger side today tomorrow the driver side THANKS A MILLION

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!!

[@jamieramirez129]

How long does it take

[@AntoineFinch]

It took me Longerr getting the right tool from the parts store to remove it than the 30 min it took with the right tool

[@jamieramirez129]

Do you have to loosen the bolt for the axle?

[@AntoineFinch]

No don't listen unless it a 4 wheel drive

[@detalle6522]

muchas gracias , me salvaste la vida el mecánico quería cobrarme 600 dollar y estoy sin trabajo y casualmente vi tu buen video y me anime y me ahorre esa cantidad muchas gracias , excelente video con lujos de detalles.

[@351cleavland]

BEFORE using lubrication on an bolt threads use a small wire brush and compressed air if you have it. It will make things go a lot smoother. Great video and useful advice about not pounding the knuckle before nut is off : D

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yea I used a wire brush on the passengers side but still was tough to get off but I know what you mean ;)

[@glenhorner1428]

Awesome. Thank You..

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!

[@edwardcordova3133]

Thanks a million for the video I thought I had to replace the whole whole control arm

[@sirsweetness8332]

That floor jack looks like an antique

[@FixingWithPassion]

fresh out of the store...lol

[@eric.g.]

Thanks from Australia!

[@daverepole9283]

Just awesome video. You should torque the nuts though. Thanks

[@FixingWithPassion]

I did off camera.

[@michaelmanley6798]

Yea remenber in next time you do video mention that around circlip comes with new ball joint.

[@BlueRonsonol]

@@FixingWithPassion Do you remember the torque numbers? I haven't located a FSM yet.

[@BWater-yq3jx]

Given that even after getting hold of a press kit and managing to get the BJ out, some people have found the new one doesn't seat tightly (i.e. pops out) on balance I reckon you'd want to play it safe and buy a control arm assembly (with the BJ in it). Especially if you're about due for an alignment. 😉

[@leonanderson3619]

Haynes manual states that ball joints on 02 thru 2010 explorers are nonserviceable and should be replaced with control arm as an assembly.

[@markarmstrong3394]

You did a great video ! Step by step ! Thank you

[@robertchristopher6129]

Thanks for the video, helped drastically

[@TheGrimmis420]

Hey buddy what size socket you use for sleeving the thread

[@FixingWithPassion]

18.5mm

[@jeremybeyers6471]

Very helpful thank u for the tips also

[@cjcoolmoed]

Nice no alignment needed awesome!

[@FixingWithPassion]

:D

[@sirsweetness8332]

Did you tell them to make sure to look for and remove snap ring if equipped?

[@FixingWithPassion]

can you check for me?

[@sirsweetness8332]

Nathan Rohrbough You forgot. 👎🏻

[@ourstardestiny4960]

So I don't need to remove the tie rod or control arm or anything else? I'm just thinking about whether it will drop down far enough to get it out.

[@vernonfindlay1314]

Going to ask,three years ago came across your videos. Still driving my 2002,yours still mobile, some parts harder to find here in Canada. Ps,being a Ford employee, great discount on labour, and parts.Happy weekend, spring almost here in Nova Scotia.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Glad to help

[@bionicsasquatch]

Thanks a lot this is money savings 101 thumbs up

[@FixingWithPassion]

Sweet!

[@patriciakohler6323]

Thank you for your video. It has been a great help to me and my friend

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice~!

[@amtpdb1]

I have a f150 2004 Lariat and I need to replace the ball joints in the top as the grease boot is busted. Ford says I have to replace the ball joint and the control arm. Is it possible that the ball joint by itself could be replaced as you did it here? Thanks for the video.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Don't listen to ford.

[@ourstardestiny4960]

What brand did you buy and where did you get them?

[@JasonSmith-qx3zh]

Dang wish I would have seen this before I order the hold thing yesterday! This is better than dropping that strut good video guy !

[@FixingWithPassion]

That arm sucks to remove. Always simpler to work around future issues sometimes I say.

[@JasonSmith-qx3zh]

Nathan Rohrbough How did feel or when you was satisfied it was seated did you just twist to the top lip was flush ?

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yea pretty much.

[@one7decimal2eight]

Does having the lower arm free put stress on the front axle?

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yeah

[@one7decimal2eight]

@@FixingWithPassion so perhaps it would be a good to bungee the arm to the spring when hitting with a hammer to keep it in one place?

[@FordTorino70]

Great video, getting ready to replace both upper and lower on my 2004 Explorer. I am also keeping my original upper control arms.

[@anarky4321]

i think ill go this route next time - changing those control arms was a nightmare

[@barrydouthitt5342]

what about the c clip where does it go?

[@deadhead7930]

Exactly. The snap ring either goes between the ball joint and the CA or somewhere on the bottom of the BJ. I'm not sure but no one shows this. Factory ball joints are spot welded or pressed. I don't think it's safe just pressing it in using the C clamp.

[@laroark5036]

What if the bushings are gone on the control arm ?

[@bobfearick2297]

thank you, i would rather replace just the joints myself also, I`ll just check control arm bushings condition, and thankx again

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice!

[@tstricklin4808]

😂mr T reference is gold. Since now you gotta wear a mask everywhere i started buzz cutting my hair about 6 mo ago. Just last night i told my wife un a couple weeks she has to give me the MR.T Mohawk that flows into my beard. She laughed but ill laugh last when shes gotta look at it in a couple weeks😂😂😂I PITTY THE FOOL. BTW GREAT VID. ima headin out now to do uppers and lowers ✌✌✌🖖🖖🖖

[@Highway_Chronicles]

Thank you for the video, I was under the impression that the whole control arm needed to be replaced. I would much rather spend 30.00 than 250.00.

[@terrychasse9121]

I have greased my stablelizer bar for about a month now still cant move it any ideas

[@NoelKerns]

Curious...you used grease to facilitate the initial insertion of the joint into the arm, and you seemed to press it in most of the way by simply tapping with a hammer. As easy as it was to tap in, how is it that the grease doesn't create a risk of a joint creeping back out on it's own?

[@FixingWithPassion]

Its in there pretty tight. There is no load on the upper ball joint like the lower ball joint.

[@NoelKerns]

@@FixingWithPassion - Thanks!

[@Patrick-jq3lw]

Would it be the same for an Explorer Sport Trac?

[@brentw4467]

Whats the torque spec for those nuts ? Please and thank

[@FixingWithPassion]

I'm looking at my factory manual. It lists the Upper Control Arm Bracket-to Body Rail Bolts at 35-46 ft lbs, Upper Control Arm to .....Adjusting Arm Nuts at 70-100 ft lbs, and Crossmember to Frame Rail Bolts (Six M16 Bolts, Front and Rear Upper Control Arm Brackets) at 145-195 ft lbs. Haynes manual states.

[@brentw4467]

@@FixingWithPassion thanks!!

[@dubdez6106]

Great video!

[@jaysmechs2457]

Very great video! But is there an alternator to the grinder method? Unfortunately, us city folk don’t have those just lying around, haha.

[@Isgood2beKing]

Used the ball press, the other way around, when you install them

[@trawwonthetrack]

Great video but replacing the upper control arm is also easy it’s only 2 bolts on the underside it’s best to replace the control arms with ball joints so you don’t have that crazy bouncy ride I see his upper control arms do have a lot of play when there brand new you can’t push them up or down like that and you get a better ride but seeing he is selling his ride this method works great also great vid..took me 1hr to replace both sides whole upper control arm 1hr each side and you can also access any rust issues while they are off..seeing my lower control arms look brand new but the joints are bad I’ll use this method for my lower...thumbs up.

[@FixingWithPassion]

True. I just figured I'd save some time not worrying about doing a aliment if I took out those 2 bolts and replaced the upper control arm. But you are right. Call me cheap...hehe

[@trawwonthetrack]

TVWXMAN32 you don’t have to do a alignment when you replace the whole arms they are already factory tightened your alignment comes from your tie rods the only thing a control arm is adjusting is height...but your all set anyway but there is no difference when you change the whole arm you just get a tighter less bouncy ride...upper control arm lower control arms are height adjustments along with shocks and struts that’s all I have a 2004 explorer and I love it...very durable truck..

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yea your right. I was thinking about my expedition. It does have adjustable bolts on the top of the control arm. I just made paint marks for reference.

[@trawwonthetrack]

TVWXMAN32 expedition is different I don’t know if their arms are factory tightened but usually if it’s past a 98 when replacing arms alignment is not needed as long as you can position the keys back into the holes you don’t mess with the side bolts at all where the bushings are those bolts are usually factory tightened to spec you only want to unbolt what’s directly on the frame which is usually 2 bolts , never mess with the bushing bolts that’s where you will never get your right rideif you accidentally losen the bushing bolts then you jack the front end off the ground and tighten them as tight as you can you can get a higher lift and ride that way also especially people who have the saggy front end that goes down lol...but you taught me something new bud I’m just letting you know it’s less work doing the whole arms also that’s all not bashing your work...

[@FixingWithPassion]

Thanks. Yea my 2000 expedition, I had to change the entire control arm with the ball joint. For some reason that year is all one piece. But its done and it drives great!

[@Baba_Yaga888]

What size socket did u use?

[@seattledelgado7735]

Thanks man,

[@lowkey8560]

Hello I need the part number for this upper ball joint

[@josephb5677]

Can you please post the link of the ball joints you bought? I have a 2003 ford explorer as well and need to replace either the ball joints or upper control arm. I'm cheap and want to do just the ball joints. Thanks

[@FixingWithPassion]

Something like this....www.ebay.com/itm/Ball-Joint-For-2003-2006-Ford-Expedition-Front-Lower-Left-Right-Side-Set-of-2/351773476998?fits=Make%3AFord%7CModel%3AExpedition&epid=1275782540&hash=item51e7554886:g:OCYAAOSwfRdZH7Ob

[@hughesonthemove4048]

Is the job relatively the same for a 1999? I have a Mountaineer but I know model name doesn't make a difference.

[@FixingWithPassion]

It should be.

[@mateocruz9406]

Thanks

[@brasstacks1790]

if you use a hard bristle brush to clean the bottom of the bolt before you grease it, you wont need to tighten the nut back and forth several times.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yes true!!

[@brasstacks1790]

@@FixingWithPassion thanks for reminding me that auto part stores have rentals. i need to replace all 4 of them on an 01 explorer thats in perfect condition other than the front end. only paid $1300 for it. got a hell of deal if i do the labor myself. motor, tranny and everything else is just fine.

[@rustyspork8948]

Awesome video! Just wonder what oil u recommend for the control arm bushings, my ride sure does squeak!

[@FixingWithPassion]

Just regular tube grease. It only cost $2.99 a tube.

[@chalinda1985]

Nathan Rohrbough is that the oil/grease that u put onto the bolt to help get it off too?

[@one7decimal2eight]

@@chalinda1985 used oil

[@CarlosGonzalez-zz6uh]

Yes it is much easier to grind the old bolt on the ball joint. To take it off. Press in the new one with no problem.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Nice.

[@Blackford86]

If you were to put your ball joint in the freezer for a couple hours, it’s probably slide in there a whole lot easier

[@apexthefoxanrunningwolfali7100]

Thank you so much .

[@r.rivera301]

Can a bad ball joint on a 2002 ford explorer cause the wheel to break off? I know it can happen with other cars but how about the explorer?

[@FixingWithPassion]

Sure can... Just like dodge durango's. They had a lot of issues.

[@markarmstrong3394]

TVWXMAN32 91-93 dodge duallys with ol 12 valve Cummins. Yeah they break off going down the highway. Just ask my cousin !! 😂😂😂😂

[@bertdemeule4802]

Ralph Richport a

[@Aman-rp7yj]

Do I have to cut the bottom part of the ball joint off? Or can I press it out without doing so

[@FixingWithPassion]

Should be able to press it out.

[@CarlosGonzalez-zz6uh]

So much easier to cut the bad one off. Came off no problem.

[@viperfukgoogplus386]

It may not fit inside the tool if you don't cut it.

[@04dram04]

With all that rust, I think you should have replace the whole arm

[@FixingWithPassion]

It was close call...lol

[@verinb9]

Thanks for posting. Altogether how long would u say it took u to rod this job?

[@reignsuprememedia6820]

Don't know if there's a big difference I have a 03 and my ball joint nut was actually 18 mmmm

[@tatareyesrubb6356]

Is This the same 2001?

[@toomanynarcissistshere2102]

Taking a break from working on my truck, watched this video... Was having brain-fog until 9:45, I finally noticed the amount of rust on his truck... Holy fuck, scrap that piece of shit, not worth working on... Not even gonna apologize. FUCK

[@jesus625camacho]

Hey what kind of clamp is that

[@FixingWithPassion]

C

[@bigworm751503]

You should always use a Torque wrench! Especially when it comes to steering an drivetrain.

[@barrydouthitt5342]

Where does the clip go

[@llorens1027]

Dude nice work! Whats gonna be your next project on that car ?

[@FixingWithPassion]

New tires....;)

[@johnfowler6600]

Interesting Explorer has different setup than Explorer Sporttrac on frontend saw video on both same year

[@joninpgh]

2001-05 Sport Trac uses the 2001-older Explorer chassis. 2007-10 Sport Trac uses the 2002-up Explorer chassis.

[@chancey1979]

Bad Ass, Thanks!

[@mrmichaelhallett]

Might mention the circlip on many Ford/ Mercury upper ball joints. Ruined my control arm following this video because I didn't notice the clip. Not your fault obviously. Damaged the tool too. Took all my strength. Wondered why.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Good Point!~~~

[@georgeprime2249]

Maybe put the grease above the nut before you tighten it up.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yes!~!~!~

[@moemoes5989]

excellent video, thks a lot

[@guesswhomartin9249]

While I will agree, you're working too hard. There was no need to cut the bolt. That's just extra work you're making for yourself. However you did teach me something new. Never knew I could use a hammer. My Pastor once taught us; If you're open to receive, you can learn something from everybody.

[@gloworm106]

I was wondering if I'm going to have to buy a grinder tool to cut the bolt. I'm hoping that the rental ball joint press kit would have the proper sized adapter to accommodate for the long length of that bolt.

[@viperfukgoogplus386]

Why would you do this when the whole control arm is easier and quicker to change and only costs $20 more?

[@FixingWithPassion]

I guess you like shelling out another $80 for a alignment. Good luck getting it back exactly where the factory specs were with a new control arm. Maybe that's why.

[@buckmaster5552]

control arm with ball joint are not expensive and easy to install

[@joeguitargod]

You might as well have gotten all new control arms! They're rusted to shit!

[@charlesbray3118]

Probably just as easy to replace the whole upper control arm

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yea

[@mikefinto4048]

Easier to check your ball joints with tire on lifted up.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Yea on all 4.

[@mikefinto4048]

@@FixingWithPassion I just got my first vehicle its been sitting for 5-10 years. Im getting it running buying parts then gonna get it on the road. The lower left ball joint is going out. They might be originals should I just change uppers and lowers on both sides?

[@cjcoolmoed]

For a moment I thought that control arm was rusted trough.

[@theroyalpundit5838]

LOL you said in the very first section "Don't whatever you do hit that bolt with a hammer or you will end up having to cut it out" lolol You then go through the WHOLE process of taking that bolt out and once it's out, guess what you then do??? That's right, you CUT THE BOLT OUT ANYWAY!!!! What's the point in messing about by taking it out "So carefully" when you the have to cut it off ANYWAY??? lololol

[@FixingWithPassion]

You, sir have missed the point! Lets say....hummmm....I need to change the spindle assembly only, because my bearing is seized up and has eaten into the spindle assembly housing. Now Think about it....Why would you replace or ruin the upper ball joint if its still good or if it been replaced before or you want to keep it???? If you loosen that nut WITHOUT taking it off all the way and then start hitting it guess what....yep it will spin around and around all day and sometimes you can't get it off because its become lose in the spindle. Now why add more work to a job like this?? You will have to cut off the upper ball joint...only when it was good to begin with adding more work! lol lol lol lol Sometimes there is not enough room to even cut them off when that happens....lol lol lol. -There are always two out comes....one you planed for and the one you did not plan for. I always plan for both!

[@viperfukgoogplus386]

He cut the top of it out of the base above the knuckle. If you hit it, then you have to cut the bottom as well below the knuckle and above the nut, while it's spinning on you. Huge pain.

[@kotybenedict2640]

Jokes on you my ABS lines are already broken

[@Mr.Caring]

Say what🤔 We're made in HIS image. HE made us with the power of free choice A good prayer: I'm a sinner JESUS please forgive me for all my sins I know you shed your Blood for me on the cross at Calvary. Thank you JESUS for my salvation and for shedding they Blood for me. I love you JESUS. Romans 10:5/10 ct...❤️k JESUSisLord!Amen... Amen.. If you'd like to call someone who cares 83 For Truth. bc you don't know when you'll die? .y r u hesitant. .. .... .. . .... .

[@harobik]

So much rust! Is that car road worthy?

[@FixingWithPassion]

I don't know. I'll ask Trump.

[@totaldla]

That's considered excellent condition in the salt belt.

[@mikehartley3712]

I'll

[@Spoder_Man]

All that rusty 🤢