How Do I Change the Lower Ball Joint on a 96 Winstar?

The lower ball joint on the 1996 Ford Windstar is a part of the vehicle's suspension and acts similarly to the way an elbow acts for a person. If the ball joint begins to malfunction on your Windstar, you will not be able to control the steering of the vehicle properly. In this situation, the best solution is to replace the lower ball joint. With the appropriate tools, it should only take about an hour to replace the ball joint on your Windstar.

Instructions

1

Lift the Windstar with a jack and place jack stands at the front of the vehicle for support.

2

Remove the nuts from the two front wheels with a wheel wrench. Pull the wheels off.

3

Remove the brake caliper with a socket wrench. Locate the lower ball joint on the control arm and remove its cotter pin with a pair of pliers.

4

Separate the ball joint from the spindle by using a ball joint fork to apply pressure to the ball joint.

5

Remove the four bolts from the lower ball joint with a socket wrench and remove the ball joint from the Windstar.

6

Place the replacement ball joint onto the control arm, just below the spindle. Reattach the bolts with a socket wrench to secure it.

7

Reattach the cotter pin and brake caliper.

8

Reattach the front wheels and nuts. Remove the jack stands and lower the Windstar with a jack.