The ball joints on a Ford allow the spindle to turn the wheels from side to side, while simultaneously allowing the suspension to cycle up and down. The ball joints can wear out over time, and when they do, the suspension becomes loose and difficult to control. To fix the problem, you need to remove and replace the ball joints. In this case, the project vehicle is a 2004 Ford Mustang, but the process is similar for other Ford vehicles, as well.
Use the jack to lift the front of the Ford, then place the car onto jack stands. Take off the front wheels with the tire iron. Unbolt the brake caliper from the spindle with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then hang it from the fender well, using the mechanic's wire.
Unbolt the center nut on the spindle, using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then pull the rotor off the spindle. Place the head of the jack underneath the lower control arm and lift it up until it contacts the arm, but not enough to lift the vehicle off the jack stands.
Unbolt the spindle from the control arms, using an open-end wrench, and then set it to the side. Install the ball joint press onto the ball joint, so that the receiving cup is on the bottom of the ball joint and the press is on the top. Tighten the ball joint press until the ball joint comes out of the lower control arm.
