Parts for your 1998 Ford Falcon-Ball joints

1998 Ford Falcon ball-joints: what they do and when to replace them

Ball-joints are absolutely used on the 1998 Ford Falcon. Both late EL (built through much of 1998) and AU Series I (launched in 1998) run front double wishbone/short–long-arm suspension that relies on upper and lower ball-joints at each front wheel. This is documented in the Ford AU Falcon Workshop Manual (Suspension—Front, 204-01), the Ford EL Workshop Manual (Front Suspension), and Gregory’s Ford Falcon AU 1998–2002 service manual, all of which specify inspection and replacement procedures for upper and lower ball-joints. Major Australian parts catalogues also list direct-fit upper and lower ball-joints for 1998 Falcons.

On a 1998 Falcon, ball-joints act like tough swivels between the control arms and the steering knuckle, letting the front wheels steer and move up and down over bumps while staying properly located. When they’re in good nick, the car tracks straight, turns crisply, and looks after its tyres. When they wear, you’ll often cop clunks over bumps, vague steering, squeaks, or uneven tyre wear.

There’s no strict replacement interval, instead, they should be inspected at every service. A proper check includes:

• Lifting the front end safely and supporting it under the control arms to unload the joints correctly.
• Checking for play by levering the control arm and feeling for movement at the joint.
• Inspecting dust boots for splits or grease leaks.
• Listening for knocks on a road test over low-speed bumps and while steering.

If any play or boot damage is found, replacement is the go. Quality aftermarket ball-joints are common for EL and AU Falcons, and many are greasable, sealed types are also fine if they meet OEM spec. Replacement typically involves separating the joint from the steering knuckle with the right separator tool, pressing or bolting the new joint into the control arm (design varies by brand and position), and torquing all fasteners to factory spec. A wheel alignment is essential afterwards.

Handy tips for Falcon owners and techs:

• Replace ball-joints in axle pairs where practical to keep handling consistent.
• If the boot’s torn but the joint isn’t noisy yet, act fast—contamination kills them quickly.
• Grease serviceable joints at each oil change, don’t overfill—just until the boot swells slightly.
• After any front-end work, check tyre pressures and re-torque wheel nuts once it’s back on the deck.

Do 1998 Falcons have both upper and lower ball-joints?
Yes. EL and AU models from 1998 use an upper and a lower ball-joint on each front corner as part of the double wishbone/short–long-arm setup. That’s why a proper inspection covers all four front joints, not just one.

What are the common signs my Falcon’s ball-joints are worn?
Tell-tales include front-end clunks over potholes or driveways, steering wander or a loose on-centre feel, squeaks at low speed, and uneven or rapid inner/outer tyre wear. A split boot with escaping grease is also a red flag even if it’s not noisy yet.

Can I drive with a worn ball-joint?
It’s risky. Wear can accelerate quickly once dirt gets in, and a severely worn joint can separate. If there’s noticeable play or a damaged boot, park it until it’s inspected and repaired, then get a wheel alignment.