A rattling sound coming from under the front end of your Ford Ranger could be an indication that the ball joints need to be replaced. The longer you permit the ball joints to wear, the greater the chance that the truck will leave you stranded on the side of the road. Replacing the ball joints is not a difficult process, so there is no reason to spend the extra time and money taking it to the shop. Even an inexperienced person can complete each wheel in about two hours.
Park the truck on a level surface and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
Raise the truck with an automobile jack and place a jack stand under the frame near the jacking point. Position the jack stand as close to the frame as possible then remove the wheel.
Remove the brake caliper with the proper-sized socket and secure it to the strut with a wire tie.
Disconnect the ABS sensor from the frame of the truck with a wrench.
Place a jack stand under the lower suspension arm to support it.
Unscrew the nut from the tie-rod end and discard it. Use a tie-rod tool to separate the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle. Be careful not to damage the rubber boot on the tie-rod.
Remove the nut and cotter pin from the lower ball joint and separate the wheel knuckle from the lower suspension arm.
Hand-tighten a new castellated nut onto the ball joint then remove the pinch bolt and nut.
Remove the castellated nut then remove the wheel knuckle.
Detach the snap ring from the ball joint and discard it. Remove the ball joint with the tie-rod tool to work it free.
Install the new ball joint in place of the old one and clip on the snap ring. Install the new castellated nut and tighten it with a socket and ratchet. Insert the cotter pin and spread it apart to lock the nut into place.
Reconnect the wheel knuckle and insert the ball joint. Tighten the pinch bolt and nut with the socket and ratchet. Reconnect the ABS sensor.
Insert the tie-rod end into the wheel knuckle and install a new castellated nut. Insert a cotter pin and spread it apart to lock the nut into place.
Reinstall the brake caliper and tighten the locking pins with the socket and ratchet.
Remove the jack stand and remount the wheel. Lower the truck to the ground and repeat the steps for the other side if necessary.
