2003 Taurus Lower Ball Joint

are there any trick to replacing the lower ball joint on a 2003 SEL? it seems straight forward. i have a tool to do it so i dont think it should be too bad. ive never done it though so any heads up would be great. thanks

It has to be pressed out. OTC makes a tool that adapts a standard ball joint press to be usable. You will have to remove the spindle (pull the half-axle out) to gain access. Then yes, it is "simple".

PS-
The OTC part number is: OTC 8032. It sells for about $60 If you have a ball joint C press you can use this adapter.
I had said in the last post that you will have to remove the spindle...not true. But it will be easier if you do. And almost impossible to remove the ball joint with "standard" BJ press kit rings and plates unless you remove the spindle. that's what i meant.
You say you "have a tool to do so", so I assume you mean a ball joint press. It is very tight in this Ford. The Ford spindle that you are pressing it out of is aluminum, so I would suggest you use this adapter to press it "just right".

I was just told today that my left front lower ball joint needs to be replaced. My Taurus is a 2002 with 50,000 miles. Is this reasonable? Why would only one ball joint wear out? It seems like each of the front lowers would go out. I didn't have them replace it yet. Wanted to check around first. Thanks for any info you might have.

I had the tie rod ends (which are like smaller ball joints) go out on a 1999 taurus at 33,000 miles. They (and your ball joints) are sealed units - they can't be greased. If the seal breaks, water gets in, the joint goes bad. On the Sable I mentioned, the seal did NOT break and the joints - both - were squeaking on turns. After I replaced them i opened them (broke the seal) there was almost no grease inside. Like that from the factory.
So yes, you could have a bad ball joint. AND chances are the other one might be bad too. OR, neither is bad....my suggestion - take it to someplace else and get a second opinion. If two places tell you the ball joint is bad - it is. Ask them if the seal is ripped. If so, that's why it is bad. If not, then expect the other one to go out soon too (most likely).
PS - replacing Taurus ball joints is a big (expensive)job. just be forwarned.

TECKPAK makes a great tool for removing the ball joints in the Taurus. The part number is "TFD-BJR"
and they can put you in touch with a supplier in your area. Call them at 1-800-527-2544

The local dealer informed me that my 2002 Taurus with 50,000 miles also needed both lower ball joints. The quote was $380.00. As I could buy the parts for around $100 I would like to do it myself. My question is can the job be done without a press, i.e. using a flor jack? Someone mentioned the lower control arm was cast alluminum, is this true. Just wondering what my options were. Thanks for any intel.

how do i replace a balljoint on a 99 ford taurus s.e lower balljoint