This can be done without touching the axle nut. Just take the ball joint bolt out and separate the ball joint from the knuckle. You can then work the other end of the control arm off the frame. Bothering with the axle just makes more unnecessary work.
Was told I need a new Ball Joint for my 2012 Ford Focus. Before ordering, decided to check out some remove/install vids. You sir, are hilarious! I laughed out loud, a few times. Thanks for posting.
I enjoy watching how a job is done on a rusty car since I live in the rust belt. Most RUclips videos show how to take apart a car that has little to no rust. None of my cars ever come apart easily due to rust which is often caused by road salt.
I'm so glad that you see the value of my Rust Belt videos. Man the tears that can flow down a grown man's eyes as he has to deal with a Rust Belt vehicle is just traumatic. Good luck my friend.
Love how you showed everything you did. Spoke really well. I wish you could have showed us how to move the A/C line if it wasn’t broken. Does seem like it could be a real challenge.
Thanks so much for the comment. With regard to the air conditioning line if I remember correctly I think there is a 10 mm bolt that holds a p clamp. You should be able to unbolt it and just slightly move it out of the way in order for you to get on a shallow socket and Ratchet. But whatever you do do not disconnect the air conditioning line if it is a Charged system. Then you'll have to recharge it which of course means money and it is toxic and you don't want that stuff blowing in your face. Hopefully you don't live in the Rust Belt and the bolts come out relatively easy. Please subscribe to the channel if you haven't already.
When you have a bolt that is incredible difficult to break loose, DO NOT use a ratchet, use a breaker bar. That's what "breaker bars" are made for. The ratcheting mechanism is the weak point of the tool. Besides being 110 ft. lbs of torque, plus 90 degrees more, there is locktite on the bolt. That's why it is so difficult to get out.
If a welded nut gets stripped, or is so seized due to road salt and water that the threads get messed up, it is a lot of work to replace. I am often thankful many nuts are not weld nuts. For this reason, I am not mad at the nuts on the rear bushing of the control arm being regular nuts. As for the lack of access, manufacturers typically design for assembly on the assembly line, not for repairs. As you can imagine, when the lower control arms are assembled to the K-frame it is under extremely different circumstances. That portion of the vehicle is pre-assembled before it is marriaged to the vehicle.
I agree with what you're saying about the nut. I was just pretty irritated and I still believe that it is a stupid design because Ford unfortunately does a lot of stuff like this. Good manufacturers as I'm sure you know account for the process of repair. Of course they all make mistakes but some more so than others just make really stupid mistakes consistently over and over again. Thanks for watching.
@@JimmysAutoClinic - Thanks for the response. I've worked at a "major auto manufacturer" for 30 years, in skilled Trades, and I've been involved on 6 vehicle launches, making the tooling work as it was originally hoped it would. I'm very familiar with the assembly process. That being said, and having worked on maintaining and repairing vehicles for 40 years, I also "hoped" that the manufacturers would accommodate necessary repairs and maintenance. I've found a "few" instances where this is the case. However, the Engineers who design the vehicle only have a responsibility to be sure the part of the vehicle they are responsible for works as intended (that's another topic), can be assembled on an assembly line in a mass production environment, and is on or under budget for the amount allocated (also complies with Government safety standards, if applicable). This assures a profitable vehicle can be built. Auto manufacturers are not in the business of building automobiles, they are in the business of making money. Automobiles are just the product they chose to do this. An example: Sometimes instead of a nut and bolt they will use a self tapping screw. The decision is based on the cost of the nut, vs. the cost of the self tapping screw, as well as the amount of time saved on the assembly line by simplifying the process. This also assumes what the screw is going through is of sufficient thickness for tapping it. This process also has to be compared to installing a weld nut, which may be put into place and welded by a human or a robot. Usually a robot. Now you have the cost of the robot and associated control panel, cost of installation and programming, and cost of maintenance and repair.
I completely understand where you're coming from. It's just that good manufacturers usually understand that the people who maintain their cars the mechanics, are generally the ones who are going to be in the ear of a smart or wise consumer who considers their opinion important that will surely influence the direction if they go and purchasing their next vehicle. Hopefully more manufacturers and learn this and make their vehicles easier to service and build better. Unfortunately you are 100% right and it is all about the almighty dollar the majority of the time for most manufacturers.
@@JimmysAutoClinic - I've been waiting 40 years for the manufacturers to make repairs and maintenance practical on their vehicles. I have no confidence of that ever happening. 40 years. Now they are moving to all electric, which very, very few people are asking for (still only 5% of the market), and while there is not a sufficient infrastructure to support them. I guess it really is all about making China the super power of the world since they control 75% of some critical battery minerals, and 80% of the rest.
Yeah unfortunately United States or the West in general doesn't really have its head screwed in right. It just makes zero sense as to what people are being told to believe and what is actually possible. Hey I'm just a mechanic what do I know LOL
Love how he rips on ford's and American made cars. What car has canada made? Maybe use PB Blaster. Oh yeah that's made here in the US too. Use moose grease
Well hopefully you enjoyed some of my opinions about American small cars. Whether it be Ford, GM or Chrysler they all suck at making anything that's not a truck. Not meant to be offensive it's just the truth. Canada contributes quite a bit to the automotive world. Yes we don't have our own brand but many cars are engineered designed and built in Canada for many Automotive companies. The most recent example of the Ford GT for example which I really enjoy working with. PB blaster is a pretty good product, in fact most American products are pretty good. That's why I support made in America. But I definitely would not waste my money on a compact or subcompact car from any of the American manufacturers. You know moose grease might not be a bad idea LOL if I ever get my hands on some I'll let you know how it works out.
The car you are working on appears to have been driven in the ocean, which is why the corrosion is so bad. Penetrating lube helps with jobs like this. It's not Ford's fault that the owner of this Focus did not follow proper maintenance procedures and also failed to apply any corrosion prevention compounds before driving into the tide if the Atlantic ocean.
This car is from ontario. No salt water but plenty of rolled salt and brine that is sprayed on the roads in the winter. Rust is one problem but honestly the design of this sort of subframe control arm setup is not the best. A lot of times even if you do put on rust protection it will help but then there's other times where it doesn't. Regardless you are right in the situation some penetrating oil May have helped.
Just watched this looking for advice with changing my rack and pinion assembly. I have a 2013 focus and it's complete bucket. It's all rusted too shit about the same as the shitbox in your video. The whole subframe has to come out to even get at it. Anyways I laughed at your awesome commentary while you were working on that pile. I didn't pay much for my focus and good thing too. Complete clapped out units.
I'm pretty sure you can replace the bushings but I think the best path would be to replace the control arm. The reason being is because if you spend all that time and effort replacing the bushings and then your ball joint fails shortly after you're not going to be happy. Good luck
Hey Kevin the day when I film this I wasn't having the greatest of days and with regards to Ford's small cars I definitely think they're deserving of some bad-mouthing LOL. That's actually one of the things that I don't like so much that they are overly complicated for really no reason which just cost a customer more money.
This can be done without touching the axle nut. Just take the ball joint bolt out and separate the ball joint from the knuckle. You can then work the other end of the control arm off the frame. Bothering with the axle just makes more unnecessary work.
Was told I need a new Ball Joint for my 2012 Ford Focus. Before ordering, decided to check out some remove/install vids. You sir, are hilarious! I laughed out loud, a few times. Thanks for posting.
Thank you for watching. Glad you enjoyed it.
I enjoy watching how a job is done on a rusty car since I live in the rust belt. Most RUclips videos show how to take apart a car that has little to no rust. None of my cars ever come apart easily due to rust which is often caused by road salt.
I'm so glad that you see the value of my Rust Belt videos. Man the tears that can flow down a grown man's eyes as he has to deal with a Rust Belt vehicle is just traumatic. Good luck my friend.
Love how you showed everything you did. Spoke really well. I wish you could have showed us how to move the A/C line if it wasn’t broken. Does seem like it could be a real challenge.
Thanks so much for the comment. With regard to the air conditioning line if I remember correctly I think there is a 10 mm bolt that holds a p clamp. You should be able to unbolt it and just slightly move it out of the way in order for you to get on a shallow socket and Ratchet. But whatever you do do not disconnect the air conditioning line if it is a Charged system. Then you'll have to recharge it which of course means money and it is toxic and you don't want that stuff blowing in your face. Hopefully you don't live in the Rust Belt and the bolts come out relatively easy. Please subscribe to the channel if you haven't already.
All that praise for Ford maybe they might sponsor you 😂
When you have a bolt that is incredible difficult to break loose, DO NOT use a ratchet, use a breaker bar. That's what "breaker bars" are made for. The ratcheting mechanism is the weak point of the tool. Besides being 110 ft. lbs of torque, plus 90 degrees more, there is locktite on the bolt. That's why it is so difficult to get out.
Thanks for the advice.
@@JimmysAutoClinic - I just did this task myself. Yeah, no fun, that's for sure.
It's you know who from ACL.
Lol, good job Ford. Nothing duct tape won't fix 😂. I think we have wrenches bro. Got my 2yr old watching with me.
I love your comic language. Same words I would use!
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button if you haven't already.
FIRST
life would be so much easier without rust. Good advice at tightening rubber isolated joints at a ride height angle. Very often overlooked
If a welded nut gets stripped, or is so seized due to road salt and water that the threads get messed up, it is a lot of work to replace. I am often thankful many nuts are not weld nuts. For this reason, I am not mad at the nuts on the rear bushing of the control arm being regular nuts. As for the lack of access, manufacturers typically design for assembly on the assembly line, not for repairs. As you can imagine, when the lower control arms are assembled to the K-frame it is under extremely different circumstances. That portion of the vehicle is pre-assembled before it is marriaged to the vehicle.
I agree with what you're saying about the nut. I was just pretty irritated and I still believe that it is a stupid design because Ford unfortunately does a lot of stuff like this. Good manufacturers as I'm sure you know account for the process of repair. Of course they all make mistakes but some more so than others just make really stupid mistakes consistently over and over again. Thanks for watching.
@@JimmysAutoClinic - Thanks for the response. I've worked at a "major auto manufacturer" for 30 years, in skilled Trades, and I've been involved on 6 vehicle launches, making the tooling work as it was originally hoped it would. I'm very familiar with the assembly process.
That being said, and having worked on maintaining and repairing vehicles for 40 years, I also "hoped" that the manufacturers would accommodate necessary repairs and maintenance. I've found a "few" instances where this is the case. However, the Engineers who design the vehicle only have a responsibility to be sure the part of the vehicle they are responsible for works as intended (that's another topic), can be assembled on an assembly line in a mass production environment, and is on or under budget for the amount allocated (also complies with Government safety standards, if applicable). This assures a profitable vehicle can be built. Auto manufacturers are not in the business of building automobiles, they are in the business of making money. Automobiles are just the product they chose to do this.
An example: Sometimes instead of a nut and bolt they will use a self tapping screw. The decision is based on the cost of the nut, vs. the cost of the self tapping screw, as well as the amount of time saved on the assembly line by simplifying the process. This also assumes what the screw is going through is of sufficient thickness for tapping it. This process also has to be compared to installing a weld nut, which may be put into place and welded by a human or a robot. Usually a robot. Now you have the cost of the robot and associated control panel, cost of installation and programming, and cost of maintenance and repair.
I completely understand where you're coming from. It's just that good manufacturers usually understand that the people who maintain their cars the mechanics, are generally the ones who are going to be in the ear of a smart or wise consumer who considers their opinion important that will surely influence the direction if they go and purchasing their next vehicle. Hopefully more manufacturers and learn this and make their vehicles easier to service and build better. Unfortunately you are 100% right and it is all about the almighty dollar the majority of the time for most manufacturers.
@@JimmysAutoClinic - I've been waiting 40 years for the manufacturers to make repairs and maintenance practical on their vehicles. I have no confidence of that ever happening. 40 years. Now they are moving to all electric, which very, very few people are asking for (still only 5% of the market), and while there is not a sufficient infrastructure to support them. I guess it really is all about making China the super power of the world since they control 75% of some critical battery minerals, and 80% of the rest.
Yeah unfortunately United States or the West in general doesn't really have its head screwed in right. It just makes zero sense as to what people are being told to believe and what is actually possible. Hey I'm just a mechanic what do I know LOL
Great video! 👍
Love how he rips on ford's and American made cars. What car has canada made? Maybe use PB Blaster. Oh yeah that's made here in the US too. Use moose grease
Well hopefully you enjoyed some of my opinions about American small cars. Whether it be Ford, GM or Chrysler they all suck at making anything that's not a truck. Not meant to be offensive it's just the truth. Canada contributes quite a bit to the automotive world. Yes we don't have our own brand but many cars are engineered designed and built in Canada for many Automotive companies. The most recent example of the Ford GT for example which I really enjoy working with. PB blaster is a pretty good product, in fact most American products are pretty good. That's why I support made in America. But I definitely would not waste my money on a compact or subcompact car from any of the American manufacturers. You know moose grease might not be a bad idea LOL if I ever get my hands on some I'll let you know how it works out.
The car you are working on appears to have been driven in the ocean, which is why the corrosion is so bad. Penetrating lube helps with jobs like this. It's not Ford's fault that the owner of this Focus did not follow proper maintenance procedures and also failed to apply any corrosion prevention compounds before driving into the tide if the Atlantic ocean.
This car is from ontario. No salt water but plenty of rolled salt and brine that is sprayed on the roads in the winter. Rust is one problem but honestly the design of this sort of subframe control arm setup is not the best. A lot of times even if you do put on rust protection it will help but then there's other times where it doesn't. Regardless you are right in the situation some penetrating oil May have helped.
Another great video Jimmy! Why does this remind me of a Mazda?
Lol, unfortunately Ford penetrated Mazda for a number of years. Thankfully that's all done with now.
Just watched this looking for advice with changing my rack and pinion assembly. I have a 2013 focus and it's complete bucket. It's all rusted too shit about the same as the shitbox in your video. The whole subframe has to come out to even get at it. Anyways I laughed at your awesome commentary while you were working on that pile. I didn't pay much for my focus and good thing too. Complete clapped out units.
Is the ball joint is it steal or aluminum
Hey Dean as far as I remember it is a steel ball joint I believe the controller I'm casing for the ball joint is aluminum.
Can you just change the control arms bushings instead of the whole thing?
I'm pretty sure you can replace the bushings but I think the best path would be to replace the control arm. The reason being is because if you spend all that time and effort replacing the bushings and then your ball joint fails shortly after you're not going to be happy. Good luck
Hit the control arm at the ball joint with a new tool called a big hammer
Believe me my friend I know LOL
I personally would not do what this dude did
It would be nice to see what you would do. You can film it and show us.
Dude you need a new car and a day off🤪
Kevin I couldn't agree with you more LOL don't forget to hit that subscribe button the :-) Thanks for the comments
Stop badmouthin Ford and the mechanic that is your success most r designed for you to make money 💰 🤑
Hey Kevin the day when I film this I wasn't having the greatest of days and with regards to Ford's small cars I definitely think they're deserving of some bad-mouthing LOL. That's actually one of the things that I don't like so much that they are overly complicated for really no reason which just cost a customer more money.