I have a 2002 sable that I am working on. I can't remember the torque on the axle nuts or the size. 160lbs, 30mm? Changing out the ball joints for a friend. Also, getting the axle out of the knuckle, splines are usually rusty. I believe there is a tool for that as well. I was a Ford Tech back in the early 90s. Sort of fuzzy after all this time. LOL! Thanks for any help.

 

The Chiton book says 170-202 but I think the Ford manual says 180.

 

I am looking at buying a 2002 taurus SES with 112,500 miles on it. I took it to my local repair shop to have them look it over and the said it need new lower ball joints, that there should be no play or movement in them. I took it back to the dealer and the put it on the rack and jerked around on the tires and pryed a little and said they are perfectly fine and that all ball joints have to have some play in them. Who is correct?
Thanks

 

Ford's own manual states no more than 1/32 ply. If more -must be replaced.
Next question is ; who's going under there to measure it?