need help fast! broken steering knuckle

[AllanD]

I will interject a comment at this time:

This will eventually happen to EVERYONE who has not upgraded to the '95-97 steering knuckles and two-piston brake calipers....


This is why I upgraded back in '07


AD

 

[Curious Hound]

This will eventually happen to EVERYONE who has not upgraded to the '95-97 steering knuckles and two-piston brake calipers....

That's Me!!!!!

 

[Tedybear]

I will interject a comment at this time:

This will eventually happen to EVERYONE who has not upgraded to the '95-97 steering knuckles and two-piston brake calipers....


This is why I upgraded back in '07


AD

Information please.... We have our 1995 Explorer and it does have 2 piston calipers. Should we 'upgrade' or are we fine?

S-

 

[tomranger]

Totally agree. Pick and Pull type shops should be able to help. If the yard has several to pick from? Grab one with decent ball joints

But please, even though the truck is a beater. We like the members here to be safe. Nice thing about a pick and pull. You can take your time on pulling the thing apart, and learn how it goes together.

Or if you have someone that can give you a ride there with your tools? Remove yours first and keep track of the tools you used. You will need a BFH without question! (Big Flippen Hammer) I've had great luck knocking ball joints free using the port-a-banger. (Hint: Do not hit the joint itself! Hit what the joint goes though! That normally breaks 'em free)

Please be safe!!

S-

thanks for your response, unfortunately I'm not familiar with how to remove/install the knuckle and ball joints.. could anyone please link me to a tutorial? would be greatly appreciated

 

[Tedybear]

thanks for your response, unfortunately I'm not familiar with how to remove/install the knuckle and ball joints.. could anyone please link me to a tutorial? would be greatly appreciated

Can't really direct link as I'm sneaking a few posts while at work.

If memory serves... I think Eric O. over at South Main Auto channel of Youtube did a video on Ford ball joints. Might not have been the exact make/model. But you'll be able to see if the parts/assembly is the same as yours.

Eric explains things pretty well, and is very decent to deal with. I'd suggest heading to Youtube and looking up his channel. If he doesn't have it? Google replacement video for steering knuckle for your make/model. It'll likely show up.

S-

 

[tomranger]

thanks guy, i ordered a knuckle knuckle that should hopefully be here soon. i'm sure i will be back if i run into any more problems along the way

 

[Tedybear]

https://youtu.be/_AUoO7Ll-t4

While you are waiting for that to show up. Here's a cool youtube video of Eric doing ball joints on an explorer. He's pretty entertaining as well. Probably not the same operation as you are doing, but it's fun to watch.

S-

 

[AllanD]

By the way there is a tool you are going to need...

No not the obvious, like stub puller....

You will need a 3/8" drive deep socket 6mm 12-point

this it to remove the Shield for the ABS sensor from the steering knuckle.

It is probably best that you are replacing the knuckle but if you had the time, patience and money it would now be a good time to update/upgrade to the '95-97 Two-piston calipers and the later steering knuckles they mount to because the two-piston brakes use caliper brackets that bolt to the later steering knuckles...

 

[tomranger]

By the way there is a tool you are going to need...

No not the obvious, like stub puller....

You will need a 3/8" drive deep socket 6mm 12-point

this it to remove the Shield for the ABS sensor from the steering knuckle.

It is probably best that you are replacing the knuckle but if you had the time, patience and money it would now be a good time to update/upgrade to the '95-97 Two-piston calipers and the later steering knuckles they mount to because the two-piston brakes use caliper brackets that bolt to the later steering knuckles...

no front abs in this bad girl.. i got a knuckle from a junkyard but cant get the old one off.. started a new thread if anyone wants to help, thanks again guys