Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD2007ESCAPE BASE, 2.3 Z, FWD, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 522 (SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION)DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGSUSPENSION SYSTEMCOMPONENT TESTSBALL JOINT INSPECTION
2007 Ford Escape Base, 2.3 Z, FWD, Automatic
Ball Joint Inspection
2007 Ford Escape Base, 2.3 Z, FWD, AutomaticSECTION Ball Joint Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego, 2006 Ford Freestyle, and 2006 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Prior to inspecting the ball joints for wear, inspect the wheel bearings. For additional information, refer to NOISE, VIBRATION & HARSHNESS .
- Raise and support the vehicle by the frame to allow the wheels to hang in the rebound position.
- Inspect the ball joint and ball joint boot for damage.
- If the ball joint or ball joint boot is damaged, install a new ball joint. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION .
NOTE:
In order to get accurate measurements, the suspension must be in full rebound with the weight of the vehicle supported by the frame.
CAUTION:
Do not use any tools or equipment to move the wheel and tire assembly or suspension components while checking for relative movement. Suspension damage can occur. The use of tools or equipment will also create relative movement that may not exists when using hand force. Relative movement must be measured using hand force only.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.