Please help if you can. The ball-joints in the front A-arms of my 99 Foreman are shot. If any of you have actually done this repair could you please describe the repair process. Id like to do it myself but I'm not sure what's involved. I have a fair amount of mechanical skills and the tools for basic repairs. If this is difficult, I guess I'll have to load it up and take it to my mechanic which this time of the year could take weeks! Thanks for your help!

 

The ball joints are pressed in the A arms, you just remove the clip, and press them out, press new ones in.( A press and some widgets make the job more simple, a large banch vise may be used on some of the joints. ) Use a grease needle to inject grease through the boots on new joints.

 

Its actually a pretty easy job. It is easiest to remove the whole A-arm to do it. The old ones can be knocked out with a hammer (after removing the retainer clip) since you don't have to worry about hurting them. Then clean out the bore and lubricate it lightly before installing the new joint. Use a large socket (that fits over the rubber boot)to go on one side of the A-arm and a smaller one to push it in with. Make sure that it fits only on the outer solid part of the joint when you press. You can use a large vise, or if you have access to a press, use that. The joints are fairly cheap I thought. I just put in a set for my neighbor (uppers) in about 40 minutes and they cost 13.50 each. They use the same part for upper and lower.
Good luck! Happy holidays!

 

I just purchased a new 450 foreman es . In the owners manual there was a web sight to get the shop service manual. www.helminc.com the publication # for the one you want is 61hn004 If you dont want to order on line you can Call 1-888-292-5393. It coast 40.00 plus 4.00 shipping. I ordered this and it is full of pictures and step by step instructions on how to do everything. Tourqe specifications part numbers the whole ball of wax. Well worth the investment. I hope this helps you. Stevenp

 

i been reading your article about your foreman front axle ball joints.. i was wondering how many miles you got on them or how long they will last ive got a 2000 foreman been running like a top so far..... thanx. hesston 1@excite.com...

 

Thanks to everyone who responded to my questions regarding the ball joints on my bike. I also posted the question on the High-lifter site and between the two sources I got a good idea what to do. With regard to the last post on this thread--I have 3500 miles on my 99 Foreman. I put 27 inch tires and a lift kit on it about a year and a half ago. I have every reason to believe that the lions share of the problems I am having are directly related to these two modifications. Regardless, if I had it all over to do again, I would still put on the bigger tires and the lift kit. They have enabled me to drive through areas that I used to get stuck in. Every thing has it's price though and now it's time for me to pay!