Ball Joints... - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Futura97 · 06-26-2002, 06:51

I need to do the lower ball joints in my XF and was wondering if anyone has done it and can provide a little insight to the degree of difficulty of changing them.

I can get it done by a mechanic(very trustworthy) for about $100 + parts. Should i get him to do it or attempt it myself??

Cheers

06-26-2002, 07:00

xf_xr6> $100 for labour sounds a bit steep to me but I guess it depends where you live what the going labour rate is. Some ppl closer to you could probably help you on the cost.

The only real difficulty in doing it yourself is separating the joint from the spindle - you need a ball joint separator for this. Also if they are original ball joints still in the car from new they will be riveted to the lower contrl arm - so you have to drill them out - 3 rivets. The replacement ball joint will have a bolt together set-up which is easy. Check what you have got and if they are the originals get your mechanic to do them as it can save you those hassles.

Jase_ELXR8 · 06-26-2002, 07:02

see if they've been done before. If they have they will be bolted in which makes it nice and easy. If not they are riveted in and will need to be drilled out...the rivets that is. Damn mucho too late for this stuff...

Futura97 · 06-26-2002, 07:09

cobra... i got told that it would be about a 2-2 1/2hr job. Does this sound right? I'm starting to get the feeling im getting ripped!!

Cheers

06-26-2002, 07:17

xf_xr6. Even if it's got the originals in it I wouldn't expect a competent mechanic to take more than 2 hours absolute tops. I know I can do mine in about an hour for both sides - but I'm working on Fords all the time - your guy probably only sees one or two of these in a year - it does make a difference.

If it does take him 21/2 hours then $100 is actually cheap labour.

Futura97 · 06-26-2002, 07:23

yeh i think i'll just let him do it. $100 isn't too bad and there gonna do a wheel alignment afterwards. And at least ill have some form of guarantee.

Thanks bloke.

Matt

06-26-2002, 07:27

buddy, pal, maaaate, if they're going to throw in a WA as well you are LAFFIN' - that IS good value!

rx770 · 06-26-2002, 23:39

sounds good if you do them yourself put them in the freezer overnight believe me it helps
:)

b-juggles · 06-27-2002, 01:06

Mine was don for $40 each side..so $100 aint too far off

VanGelder · 06-27-2002, 09:36

I did my lower balljoints on my ED myself, getting 'em out was easy,
but putting the new ones in, took me and my brother about an
hour. We used a heavy hammer and a ratchet-extension.
It would've been good to know at the time that freezing 'em would've
shrunk 'em a bit. Anyway it made a hell of a difference, it used to
pull heaps when i drove over dips and bumps.
It always good to try stuff yourself and built up some knowledge
and offcourse save some money, things are often easier to do than
you think. :tup: