Questions and Answers

Ford Explorer Ball Joints Q. Hi Vince, I own a 1996 Ford Explorer V-6, 4WD, with approximately 180,000 kilometers. I have been told by my dealership that the ball joints are seized. A $20.00 part, $500.00 labor. I have surfed several repair sites and that might not be the problem, bearings, rocker and idler arms etc... at a considerably lower repair.

The noise comes and goes and has for years now. Lately, however it squeaks loudly all the time, especially over bumps and when turning. Is this a safety hazard? In your opinion is it the ball joints?

John

A. It could be the ball joints making the noise. And from here I have a hard time diagnosing noises. I would have to be absolutely sure that the noise is not a dry bushing. There are bushings in the upper and lower control arms and the stabilizer bars.

If you can get it to make the noise by bouncing the truck up and down, put a finger in each bushing while someone bounces the truck. If the noise is coming from the bushing you will feel it.

I don't have ball joint prices right in front of me, but the labor to replace:

• One 2.9 hours.
• One, Each Side 4.6 hours.
• All, One Side 3.4 hours.
• Three 5.2 hours.
• All 5.2 hours.

So for $500.00 labor they should replace the ball joints, do a wheel alignment, empty the ashtrays, wash and wax the truck and deliver it to your home with a bouquet of roses.