Ford 8C3Z-3049-B
Ball Joints, Front Upper

Starting the ball joint service and repair work requires wheel spindle removal. Before starting lower ball joint grease plug extraction you should secure the wheel spindle in a vise to pull out its snap ring. Heat exposure should be strictly avoided when removing components because it will cause harm to them. Service the ball joints by using the combination of C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover while the Ball Joint Installer/Remover to remove first the lower ball joint then the upper ball joint. During installation start by cleaning the wheel knuckle ball joint bores before inserting the upper ball joint with the use of the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover and Ball Joint Installer/Remover. Begin installation of the lower ball joint and afterward insert the snap ring into the bottom groove of the lower ball joint before replacing the lower ball joint grease plug. Finally, reinstall the wheel spindle.

The procedure for tracking bar and ball joint service begins with parking the vehicle on a hoist in NEUTRAL position. Begin by taking off the track bar along with any present ball joint grease fittings before removing the ball joint boot. The technician should discard both the shock absorber lower bolt and flagnut. The procedure for early build vehicles requires disposal of the stabilizer bar link lower bolt while late build vehicles need disposal of the stabilizer bar link upper nut. Place an appropriate socket onto the C-frame screw with the help of a jackstand lowered under the front axle to execute ball joint removal involving the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover and Ball Joint Remover/Installer tool set. The installation of the new ball joint requires its placement in the bracket where removal of the grease fitting should occur prior to assembling to avoid damage. You should install the ball joint while keeping the dust boot in place but avoiding any damage to it. Reinstall the grease fitting immediately if you removed it from the ball joint. Support the front axle on the jackstand then install new shock absorber lower bolts and flagnuts by applying torque to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft). The stabilizer bar link lower bolt installation requires a new one on early vehicles to meet 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) torque while late vehicles need a new upper nut with a torque specification of 80 Nm (59 lb-ft). Finally, reinstall the track bar. All suspension fasteners require replacement with identical components by part number or equivalent alternatives while sticking to the torque specifications for reassembly to preserve suspension system integrity.

Reinstall the wheel spindle.

Reinstall the front wheel spindle or wheel knuckle assembly.