# R & R of balljoints **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [March 8, 2009, 7:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/r-r-of-balljoints/27459 "2009-03-08T07:25:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![uncray67](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e19adc/32.png) [@uncray67](https://community.cartalk.com/u/uncray67)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 7:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/r-r-of-balljoints/27459/1 "2009-03-08T07:25:11Z")
How do I replace the balljoints on a 97 Ford Taurus? ---
**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 7:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/r-r-of-balljoints/27459/2 "2009-03-08T07:51:00Z")
Chances are, you will need to remove the lower suspension arm and press out the old one with a shop press. You will also need snap ring pliers to remove the snap ring that retains the ball joint in the socket. To install the new one, you will need to press it in, and secure it with the snap ring. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 3:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/r-r-of-balljoints/27459/3 "2009-03-08T15:13:05Z")
The ball joint is an intergal part of the steering knuckle. So if the ball joint fails, the steering knuckle requires replacement. Tester ---
**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 5:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/r-r-of-balljoints/27459/4 "2009-03-08T17:47:41Z")
How do I replace the balljoints on a 97 Ford Taurus? You take it to a front-end specialist and say “Please replace the ball joints”. As Tester mentioned, this will not be cheap. Sounds like struts and wheel bearings might be included in this package… ---
**Author:** ![jsutter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@jsutter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jsutter)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 6:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/r-r-of-balljoints/27459/5 "2009-03-08T18:56:59Z")
With most FWD cars this is not an easy backyard mechanic job. Some ball joints are part of the control ar and you have to replace that as well. If you have never worked with suspention components I would not attempt it. Older and RWD vehicles you could do a lot of the removal with a pickle fork: > **[How to Videos, Articles & More - Discover the expert in you. | eHow.com](https://www.ehow.com/)** > > Learn how to do just about everything at eHow. Find expert advice along with How To videos and articles, including instructions on how to make, cook, grow, or do almost anything. ---
**Author:** ![meaneyedcatz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/meaneyedcatz/32/692_2.png) [@meaneyedcatz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/meaneyedcatz)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 7:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/r-r-of-balljoints/27459/6 "2009-03-08T19:49:46Z")
I disagree, don’t you mean the b/j is a part of the control arm? ---
**Author:** ![meaneyedcatz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/meaneyedcatz/32/692_2.png) [@meaneyedcatz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/meaneyedcatz)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 7:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/r-r-of-balljoints/27459/7 "2009-03-08T19:54:12Z")
If you do not have any hands on knowledge doing suspension work I suggest you take it to a shop. Otherwise there should be a tool that can press the joints on and off. I have sold hundreds of them OTC #7249 ( Owatonna Tool Company). Some b/joints are riveted on, cuts the rivets and bolt them in. ---
**Author:** ![willey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a9adbd/32.png) [@willey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/willey)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 8:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/r-r-of-balljoints/27459/8 "2009-03-08T20:25:26Z")
Nope. On this year Taurus the ball joint is part of the steering knuckle. On earlier models the ball joint was part of the lower control arm. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 8:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/r-r-of-balljoints/27459/9 "2009-03-08T20:26:28Z")
[http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c1528003ae32](http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c1528003ae32) Tester ---
**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 8:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/r-r-of-balljoints/27459/10 "2009-03-08T20:29:32Z")
This article states that the ball joint is an integral part of the steering knuckle: [http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c1528003ae32](http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c1528003ae32) But, for some integral ball joints, on some cars, some aftermarket parts makers have made replacements that you rivet into place. Check with your supplier. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2009, 10:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/r-r-of-balljoints/27459/11 "2009-03-08T22:51:14Z")
Well? It’s easy to find out. Call two or three parts stores and ask if they list just the ball joints for this vehicle. If they don’t, you have to pretty much figure the knuckle requires replacement. Tester