Soon-to-be-worn Ford Escape suspension–replace?

[Doug]

Hey ETCG and forum!

Long time ETCG watcher, DIY/Shade-tree mechanic, first time on the forum. I have a question that I’m sure I’ll get a few different opinions on, which I welcome.

I have a 2005 Ford Escape, 160,000 miles (50/50 highway/city), 4 cylinder, 2wd. The escape runs well, is well maintained (by myself), has no major problems, and I’m hoping to get 100,000+ more miles out of it.

The problem is every single ball joint’s boot is busted on the vehicle. The only suspension/steering components that have been replaced are the front tie rod ends and rear shocks. I plan on putting new tires on the vehicle with an alignment before long. Right now, the suspension is tight, but I’m worried it won’t be for very long. The cost of a complete suspension rebuild +/- $500, and +/- a day of my time.

What do I do? Rebuild it all now? Replace worn parts as I they’re needed?

And should I spring for OEM parts? Or go with serviceable aftermarket parts, like MOOG?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Topic

[Stephen Bowen]

Napa sells a decent higher end ball joint. They like to show it off with their cut-a-way promo displayshows.

Any good brand (Moog/federal mogoul) (Yeah, I can’t speel tonigt) Is decent to use.

If the joints are pressed in, please invest in a decent ball joint press. You can probably rent one for a day or two from the local auto parts house for a couple hundred or so (been a while, I bought my own years ago) And you’ll get that $$ back when you return it!

You have a lot of miles on the Ford. That’s a darn good run before having to redo suspension!! I’d also go over any rubber bushings as well and refresh any that look ‘weak’.

S-

[Erin]

I would not think twice about replacing the worn ball joints. Those are the WORST things that can break on a suspension. Well for me, that is just one thing I will NOT f*** around with still using if they show any sign of being faulty.

Just do those for now and mess with other stuff later, as needed. Do not fix anything that is not broken.

MOOG has a good reputation so if they are considerably less expensive, you can use those.

Keep in mind the weather is going to start to suck REAL soon, meaning the suspension will be working HARD on snowy days, AND you don’t want to be messing with that job in the driveway or cold garage. If garage is warm, great.

You said it has new tie rods so that is good.

But yeah, I would do something about the balls joints pronto. IF they are still tight AND you can replace the boots, you would be OK still using them. But they better be damned solid in the sockets.

[Author]

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