motorcraft . com lists the same lower ball joint part number for the 1997 and 2002
Ford Escort ( Motorcraft MCS 104185 )
ball joints cannot be tightened. if they re worn and have play in them, they need to be replaced
Ball joints should be replaced anywhere between 70,000 to 150,000 miles. Ball joints connect the wheel to the car's suspension system.
The ball joints connect the hub to the control arm. They are the load carrying part for the weight on the vehicle.
The lower ball joints have to be pressed out. The upper ball joints are part of the control arm, so the complete upper assembly has to be replaced.
Factory ball joints do not have a grease fitting. If yours have been replaced, it is then possible it will have a fitting.
Not typically.
Sealed ball joints are not designed to have grease added. They have been permanently sealed, and can only be replaced when there is a problem.
I believe on the 4 x 4 , with the torsion bar suspension , the upper ball joints are part of the control arm and the lower ball joints can be replaced separately or with a new control arm The 2 wheel drive , with the coil spring front suspension , the upper and lower ball joints can be replaced separately
You don't they're greased and sealed at the factory
yes i can
The ball joints can be replaced by removing the wheel. Remove the rotor and brakes. Pound the old ball joint out. Insert the new ball joint with a ball joint compressor.
The ball joints are on the lower control arm. The ball joint supports the weight of the car. It is between the lower control arm and the hub of the front suspension. In relationship to the tire it is about even with rim of the wheel on the bottom.