How to Replace Upper Control Arm 2002-2005 Ford Explorer

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New Control Arm with Ball Joint from 1AAuto.com 1aau.to/ib/1ASFU00118
This video shows you how to install an upper control arm with ball joint on your 2002-2005 Ford Explorer. Control arms are a crucial part of the suspension system of your vehicle. They not only carry the load of the vehicle to the wheel, but they typically also maintain its alignment. Control arms are typically large and strong, so you may be surprised it needs replacing. They contain rubber bushings for smoother rides at the cost of eventual wear, or integrated ball joints that require replacing the entire arm when they wear.
This process should be similar on the following vehicles:
2002 Ford Explorer
2003 Ford Explorer
2004 Ford Explorer
2005 Ford Explorer
Tools you will need:
• Pry Bar 1aau.to/oa/1AXAA00020
• 18mm Socket 1aau.to/oa/1AXAA00043
• 19mm Socket 1aau.to/oa/1AXAA00043
• 21mm Socket 1aau.to/oa/1AXAA00043
• 30mm Socket
• Trim Tool Set 1aau.to/ob/1AXXX00004
• Side Cutters
• 3/8 Inch Air Impact Gun
• Socket Extensions 1aau.to/ob/1AXAA00015
• Swivel
• Torque Wrench 1aau.to/oa/1AXAA00044
• Cotter Pin
• Liquid Thread Locker
• Center Punch 1aau.to/ob/1AXAA00055
• Hammer 1aau.to/ob/1AXAA00091
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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While TRQ strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. TRQ is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@TRQ]

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[@mikebartoli4755]

Wow, I had to stop half way through this to comment on how good your video is! From the experience level to the production quality, this is as good as it gets. I'm a mechanic of 35 years and I am utterly impressed! Thank you so much for your dedication to make quality useful content that is also safety minded. You got a new Subscriber here!

[@jamesnicholas1258]

You guys all have excellent videos! They have helped me do repairs on multiple vehicles which i would not have been able to accomplish. Every detail I'm looking for including tork specs. Thanks so much i feel like i can open a shop due to the videos lol. Keep'em comming.

[@mamus4]

Great tutorial, easy to understand while keeping safety in mind

[@larrycargal1059]

Best repair video I've seen in a while!

[@TRQ]

+Larry Cargal Thanks for watching our video! 1aau.to/m/Shop-TRQ

[@chrisa3289]

1a auto= GOATED

[@MikeYeah]

Great quality video and is exactly what I was looking for today.

[@1divemaster1]

Great explanations as usual. Thanks guys.

[@robinyu324]

what to do if the shim rusted out and need a replacement? can't even find a part for that thing from anywhere.

[@hugoduque8810]

Does the boot of the ball joint have to make contact with the knuckle?

[@wilbertallen5190]

You have show to diy, great job.

[@alib9661]

Thanks pal 👍

[@bobbymarks2485]

The Axlenut DOES NOT have to come off or be loosened in any way, and the brakes don’t need removed either.
DO NOT LOOSEN THE BOLTS ON THE CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, THEY COME PRE-TIGHTENED TO FACTORY RIDE HEIGHT
It will be a little more of a fight, but it is not worth the risk.
Just the 3 bolts on the control arm itself, and the tie rod end! That’s it!
Otherwise, great video. Lots of unnecessary information, but knowledge is power I guess!

[@PokeBoy57]

I have a 2 piece upper control arm snd the bolts go onto the second piece which is like a back arm. I ordered new but they are 1 piece without that back arm which had the bolts i took out to remove it. How do i use just the 1 piece

[@TomBenner1215]

Okay this is my last comment. The only thing missing was cursing..

[@TomBenner1215]

Okay thanks for the video but do you really need to remove the brake?

[@mikecunningham7621]

My question too.

[@obxguy1]

Is there a torque spec on those 2 end nuts???

[@kern_yak_angler]

you dont need to do all that

[@MercedesE63S-AMG]

Yes I was like why is he taking all of this apart? 🤔

[@mikecunningham7621]

I don't think you need to pull the caliper or brake disk, or knock the axle loose.

[@geoffreyobryan3005]

Since when is the rear stud the front and the front the rear?

[@fishingautos8585]

Your doing way more then need be tbh.

[@stevenagee7934]

The brakes, rotors and caliper bracket only need to be removed if you have a wheel speed sensor. Removing tie rod and axle is unnecessary despite your model though

[@TheSpade83]

Soo… how about those calipers

[@terrypaquette2824]

Red locktite on caliper bolts?? Bro ur high if you feel the need to use locktite, if it doesn't call for it in the instructions then use green or blue. Red requires heat to remove, and you don't want that heat coming from your threads when your removing cus that's just gonna melt threads

[@terrypaquette2824]

Friction will melt threads together lol

[@TomBenner1215]

Not that easy