Parts for your 2013 Ford Falcon-Ball joints

2013 Ford Falcon ball joints — what they do and when to sort them

Yes, ball joints are relevant and used on the 2013 Ford Falcon (FG MkII). Ford’s workshop literature for FG/FG MkII front suspension (Section 204-01) details a short-long arm/double wishbone layout with ball-jointed connections at the steering knuckle. Ford’s parts catalogue for FG lists a front lower ball joint and an upper control arm with an integrated ball joint, and major aftermarket catalogues for 2008–2014 FG (MOOG, SuperPro/Nolathane, Repco listings) carry replacement joints and arms for this model—so they’re definitely fitted to the car.

On a 2013 Falcon sedan or ute, the ball joints let the front wheels steer and move up and down smoothly while keeping everything tight and aligned. They’re the pivot points between the control arms and the steering knuckle, taking a fair bit of punishment from Aussie and Kiwi roads. When they start to wear, the steering can feel vague, tyres can scrub, and you might hear an annoying clunk over bumps.

What to watch for during servicing:

• Clunks or knocks from the front end when turning or hitting bumps
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear on the inner or outer edges
• Wandering or shimmy through the steering wheel
• Torn or leaking dust boots, or visible play when the wheel is levered up

Most ball joints on the FG MkII are sealed, so there’s no greasing port, the trick is to keep the boots intact and check for play every service or 10,000–15,000 km. If a boot’s torn or there’s any free play, replacement is the go. Depending on brand and front-end variant, some joints are integrated into the control arm (commonly the upper), meaning the whole arm is replaced, while others (often the lower) can be swapped as a separate joint.

When replacing, it’s smart to do both sides if one has failed, use quality parts, and finish with a proper wheel alignment. Avoid kerb strikes, keep tyre pressures right, and if the car’s lowered, tows, or sees rough roads, shorten inspection intervals. A tidy front end keeps the Falcon tracking straight, saves tyres, and brings back that confident steering feel owners love.

How long do ball joints last on a 2013 Ford Falcon?

It varies with roads and driving, but many Falcons see 80,000–150,000 km from factory joints. High-mileage commuting, rough country roads, or a lowered setup can bring that forward. Regular checks at each service help catch wear early.

Do both sides need replacing together?

Not mandatory, but it’s often recommended. If one side’s worn, the other is usually close behind. Doing them as a pair keeps steering feel consistent and can save on multiple alignments.

Is a wheel alignment needed after ball joint replacement?

Absolutely. Any work on control arms or ball joints can change camber and toe. An alignment protects tyre life and restores proper steering.