How do I remove the upper and lower ball joints on the front suspension? How do I pop them out? Which direction??
Mar 24, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Front suspension?
2003 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
MALINA7
- MEMBER
- 22 POSTS
- FOLLOW
Advertisement
On both the 2WD and 4WD the lower ball joint is replaceable. The upper is not, instead you replace the complete upper A-Arm as the joint is a part of it.
For the lower you can use an on vehicle press to remove it after you remove the snap ring.
To gain room you need to either remove the steering knuckle and front axle. Then you use the press to push the joint out through the bottom of the lower arm. Next you need to clean and inspect the socket for any cracks or damage. Those would require replacement of the lower arm. To install the new one you apply adhesive (included with the new joint) around it, then press it into place. Once it is installed you put the new snap ring in place. Then you but it back together. For the upper you need to remove the bolts that hold the upper bushings and then the stud is removed from the knuckle. Then you need to use an alignment rack to do a front end alignment because the parts may not be identical in measurements to those removed.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/upper-control-arm-replacement
For the lower you can use an on vehicle press to remove it after you remove the snap ring.
To gain room you need to either remove the steering knuckle and front axle. Then you use the press to push the joint out through the bottom of the lower arm. Next you need to clean and inspect the socket for any cracks or damage. Those would require replacement of the lower arm. To install the new one you apply adhesive (included with the new joint) around it, then press it into place. Once it is installed you put the new snap ring in place. Then you but it back together. For the upper you need to remove the bolts that hold the upper bushings and then the stud is removed from the knuckle. Then you need to use an alignment rack to do a front end alignment because the parts may not be identical in measurements to those removed.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/upper-control-arm-replacement
Images (Click to enlarge)
Mar 24, 2025 at 8:33 PM