front suspension ball joints

Hello
I need to replace both lower front suspension ball joints on my 1996 4.6 p38

First off all is it best to replace upper at same time and what is the best make of ball joints to buy

Also i see the workshop manual says you need a tool to align the swivel hub (LRT-54-006/2 and LRT-54-006/1)

question is if you leave the adjustable collet in its place, do you still need to adjust it/ align it after fitting new ball joints.

you would think once its aligned from new/previous repairs, if its not touched then why does it need adjusting ?

How many of you have fitted new joints without the adjustments or special tools

Thanks for your help

As the special tool is over £900.00 i would think quite a lot have just fitted ball joints without adjusting the swivel hub. Fit a new oil seal in the end of the axle if you do the job.

Get lemforder ball joints,not much dearer than britpart etc,and will last a lot longer,I didn't use the special tools ,never adjusted the collet,there is a large washer on the half shaft to protect the seal ,I just made sure this was centralised in the axle casing,I never used new oil seals and no problems,but while its out May aswell replace them,also no need to remove the large nut holding the cv joint into the hub,just unbolt the hub and remove it with half shaft connected ,take the weight of the shaft as it comes out so you don't damage the oil seal ,same as when you are refitting it,put a little grease on the oil seal inner edge aswell,where it contacts the shaft.not too difficult a job,

Ok thanks for the advice

This might help.

Ball joint Removal/replacementhotos

Just had mine done, car drives much better. sent to specialist didn't have the guts or inclination to DIY this one

AP90 said:

Just had mine done, car drives much better. sent to specialist didn't have the guts or inclination to DIY this one

Click to expand...

Whats the going rate for this and who did you use if you don't mind

For the scary stuff I use Cranbourne Garage, Potters Bar. I'm not sure what the charge was as it was rolled in with other stuff but I would guess about 2-3 hours a side making it around the £400 mark??

Their number is 01707 643821

Thanks