1996 Crown Victoria Ball Joints

CBCROCKER

MEMBER
1996 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS

I've a '96 Crown Vic with a terrible squeaking coming from the front end. I pulled the front tires off and looked around and noticed that the upper balljoints didn't have much of the rubber boot left. I assume this is the source of the noise. The car has 120,000 miles on it at this time. What is the procedure for R&R of the upper ball joints? It looks fairly simple but that opinion has gotten me in way over my head before. :Lol:

1 Reply

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Oh yeah, one of those five minute jobs that turn into a week?

Have some one turn the wheels while you look at it.
You should be able to access that area when the wheel is 3/4 of the way turned. You can feel where the source is by the vibration. Good communication between you and the person behind the wheel is essential, they should not do anything other than what you tell them to do to avoid a mishap. May be tie rod end as well. We have had success putting a pin hole it the boot and lubing them with a spray such as endura by castle chemicals.

If you jack the front end up and check for play, it will help determine the urgency of the situation. I wouldn't replace anything if there is no play. The lube method should buy you time.