Installation of the Ball Joint on a 2000 Explorer

The 2000 Ford Explorer has ball joints on each one of its four tires. The ball joints act as connectors between the vehicle's tires and its steering system and are essential components in the vehicle's steering system. Installing a new ball joint onto your Explorer is a straightforward job, although it might take some time to complete because the vehicle needs to be lifted.

Instructions

1

Loosen the Explorer's wheel nuts on the side of the vehicle where you will be replacing the ball joint, using a socket wrench.

2

Raise the Explorer with a jack. Place jack stands underneath the front of the vehicle to support it.

3

Engage the Explorer's parking brake and remove the front wheel.

4

Use a socket wrench to loosen the ball joint nut.

5

Remove the ball joint from the upper control arm using the ball joint removal tool.

6

Pull the control arm away from the ball joint and remove the nut from the steering knuckle. Remove the ball joint as well.

7

Install the new ball joint by placing it onto the control arm. Reattach the steering knuckle and ball joint nut. Tighten the nut to 41 feet pounds.

8

Reattach the wheel and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle.