ball joints

[infamous amos]

I have a 2002 V6 with just over 70k miles. I first noticed just early in the morning when I first took the LS out of the driveway that I could hear virtually every bump in the road. This sound is hard to explain, it just sounds like a faint clunk at low speeds over small and medium bumps. The struts are fine. Now, I hear this sound every day over all sorts of bumps. I think I have isolated it to my passenger front lower ball joint. I lifted the front end and put a 2x4 under each wheel to find the noise. When I lifted my passenger front wheel I noticed about an 1/8'' movement right at the lower ball joint.

Is it true that just the ball joint can not be replaced? But, the complete lower control arm has to be replaced? Also, is this a common issue? Do you recommed I replace BOTH lower control arms/ball joints? Finally, know of the best deal on the lower control arms/ball joints?

You guys rawk!

 

[NateRW21]

looking at my manual, it would appear that for a lower ball joint on the front or rear, you would have to install a new spindle. As for upper ball joint, front or rear, new upper suspension arm.

You do not need to replace in pairs, unless of course... both sides are bad! Someone else can advise you of good deals... but some places to start would be team ford, five star ford or fastpartsnetwork

 

[union807trucker]

yo man i had the same problem and the dealer raped me for 300 bucks for a new spindle

that sucks

 

[mrzeee]

knuckle

here is the pic of the ls front spindle, the joint is in knuckle. retail is 188.05 and LVC cost is 135.40 plus frt. P/N 6W4Z-3K185-AA for the r/side.

Max