We put four new Goodyear truck tires on our 2004 PW TD today. The tire dealer (independent) tried to sell us ball joints. We pointed out that the truck has very low mileage < 30k and has shown no symptoms. He said no matter, these trucks came off the assembly line with weak ball joints. He had the tech put it on the alignment rack and the owner of the shop attempted to demonstrate the problem. I could detect no movement on the right side and none on the left until he told me to put my finger on the ball joint while he re-tested it. Then I could feel a very slight movement. Is this a valid concern or magic tricks? I didn't find anything on Search here. Thanks.

I'd get a second opinion. Maybe a third. I'd have my regular guy look at it and also a Ford dealer. Might cost a little but your life could be riding on this. john 'I am Canadian'

ball joints are damaged by dirt and grit getting inside.lack of grease or bad seals ( and I don't know which your Ford has- sealed or greaseable)suspension should be lubed at oil changes- it's quick and easy to shoot grease.ball joints with 30K on highway vs 30K on dirt tracks are 2 different things. So use will determine wear.ball joint failure is no fun- the vehicle will drop down on that corner and the wheel will jam up into the wheel well.braking and steering are really hard.the key thing really with vehicles and service is trust.when you no longer trust the vehicle, sell itwhen you don;t trust the servicer, go elsewhere ( or get schooled, I went to Santa Monica College for my auto trades classes).Get a second opinion. ( use yelp or whatever for a local shop)Check the ford econoline forums to see what problems may be typical with your chassis.tires- i use Costco.the Guys there are great and IF they notice something, they have no reason to "upsell"I have a car pal in your town I'll ask him if he knows a good shop and post back if he does.mike

Sometimes you can have a part wear out prematurely. It's not outside of reason. Usually the ball joints will last 3 times as long as that, or more. But anything can happen with mechanical joints. Get a second opinion at a shop you trust, though.If you do get new joints and if the OEM is sealed (as were mine), make sure the replacement is a greaseable one. That's what I have now on my 2000 Mercury Mountaineer. With regular greasing at every oil change, I expect much longer life for the ball joints.

Same thing happend to me. Fords have small amounts of play.I Got à second opinion and They are fine.Bob

I have a 2005 PW Excel TD on a Ford E350 chassis same as you have. I have 58,000 miles on the vehicle and just had the front end checked at a Ford dealer recently and everything was fine including the ball joints. Ball joints will show a very little bit of play when tested. I'd say the tire dealer was full of it and maybe had a child in college or a boat payment coming up.

Ford ball joints question (see Update page 2) | Good Sam Community

jjson775
Explorer
Jan 09, 2015
The ball joints on my 2006 PW Excel needed replacing at about 50,000 miles. Long before there is a catastrophic failure you will notice symptoms while driving. They do not have OEM grease fittings, unfortunately.
ernie1
Explorer
Jan 10, 2015
According to the Ford Factory Shop Manual, the ball joints can have a maximum of 0.8mm(1/32") radial play. This is measured with a dial indicator mounted on the spindle and the dial indicator shaft against the ball joint. On my 2005 Ford E350 Super Duty, the bottom of each ball joint has a small plug that if unscrewed, will allow you, with the right tip on you lube gun to force grease into the joint. I'm pretty sure also that the plug could be replaced with a zerk fitting to allow lubing on a regular basis. The Ford Shop Manual says if the ball joint is provided with a zero fitting to go ahead and lube it.

If the ball joint is worn out and needs replacing one would notice some symptom like wandering or abnormal tire wear.
Lorne_Lorraine
Explorer
Jan 10, 2015
Removed plugs and put zerks on my Ford 03 Excel at 81,000 miles. Better to have done much sooner I think, but original ball joints still good at 96,000 miles. Right front tie rod end has been replaced (also at 81,000 miles).
dreed
Explorer
Jan 12, 2015
I would like to pull the plugs on the Ford ball joints too and put in zerks. How to they come out. Do you just unscrew them?
Dave 04 Excel TD
ernie1
Explorer
Jan 12, 2015
Yup. Just unscrew them like it's a tiny bolt.
dreed
Explorer
Jan 12, 2015
Neat! Thanks
Dave
CA_POPPY
Explorer
Jan 15, 2015
Okay, after being told by our longtime tire shop owner that our 2004 PW Excel needed ball joint work, I took it to the Ford dealer. Because it is an RV, Ford referred me to A-One Automotive Center on Ave I in Lancaster, CA and they told me the ball joints were fine. He did install zerks for me. Also, he checked to see if an alignment might be needed and said everything checked out fine, no alignment necessary. Ford said this is the only place in the Antelope Valley that does this kind of work on motorhomes. Just wanted to pass along this positive experience.

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Ford ball joints question (see Update page 2)

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