have an 03 STR just wanted to see where I measure to determine the correct size lower ball joints? I see it would have either a 14 or 16 mm. Thanks for any advice really trying to avoid replacing the whole spindle

 

Replacements are available on eBay or many auto sites.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-FRONT-Lowe...-/320891217739

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Ball-Joints-...20Supercharged

The S-Type and X350s share some components but for some reason, that is kept secret.

 

Yes, but does the OP need 14mm or 16mm balljoints?

 

Try contacting "Captian Jaguar" here:

http://www.captainjaguarscathouse.com/
He should be able to assist you. I only know of one part number (XR841215) that is available for the 1999 - 2002 S-Types. There might not be any for 03 onward?

 

Can't change the ball joints on the 2003 and up cars (yet!). Whole arm only. The 14-16mm thing is for 1999-2002 S Types. The 2003-2008 all used 16mm.

For 2003 you have a completely different front suspension. The upgrade to a double ball joint suspension really improved the ride and handling.

Hey thanks for making me look! Ebay now has a listing for just the lower ball joint for the STR. It's expensive at $150 each.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suspension-B...f929a3&vxp=mtr
.
.
.

 

Have you checked on these?

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...all_joint.html

New Lincoln LS 16mm Lower Ball Joints 2 02 06 OE Spec | eBay

The Lincoln LS suspension is almost identicle to the S-Type and XJ8s.

 

Thanks for the link, I took a look around and found my VIn does not apply due to the following spec., sigh guess I need to buy the link instead, there are days I really miss the old jeep

Suspension Ball Joint -- TO CH# M45254; 16mm Thread

 

I have a steering wheel shimmy from 45-60mph, i think its due to play in one of the ball joints or bushings.

Shame the whole upright has to replaced in order to service the ball joint.

Is there no way to press out or remove the old ball joint and press in a new one, or something to that effect?

 

That's not the problem. You can press the ball joint in and out just fine. Nobody is yet making the ball joint available separately. We know they are being made but so far they are pre-installed in the control arm. I am betting it's just a matter of time before they are sold separately.

Yes I think I posted too soon. I don't think individual ball joints are available yet for the 2003 and up S Type. So that means all the STR's must buy the entire arm. We need to remember the 2003 and up S Type and the LS no longer share the same front suspension.

There are many differences between my wife’s 2003 LS and my 2005 STR front suspension. I have had them both on ramps side by side. What's really amazing is how much of the STR the Lincoln guys have figured out how to bolt on to the LS! Bunch of threads on wheels, brakes, sub frames and suspension stuff.
.
.
.

 

Just a tip, the lowest I have found the "R" specific version is from Welsh Enterprises, they are listing it at $ 275 per side

 

Have you had a shop tell you it's the ball joints? Maybe something different?

I have found that the bigger the rims the more likely they are to get damaged. When I upgraded to chrome rims my 4 stock trade in's came back with 3 bent rims! Yet the car drove fine. I had to pay to repair the 3 bent ones so they would be accepted as trade ins for my chromed Vulcans.

Also have you had the tires “Road Force” balanced?? That’s all I will use anymore.
.
.
.

 

road force balanced, and did the front wheel bearings recently,

i noticed one liquid bushing had leaked last time i was under the car,

shame neither upper/lower ball joints were easily serviceable, i would do it for peace of mind, but now i'll have to narrow this problem down closer before ordering a new upright...

don't think it has to do with wheel damage... this kind of problem is common on other cars and it usually related to a lower ball joint or ball joint bushing issue, and i have an str with 90k...

 

had two opinions on the matter one from the alignment place i generally use and the other from the local dealer, I guess there is no denying it any more sigh

 

Bumping this thread again as I want to replace my lower ball joints,

Are the lower ball joints on the 03+ cars all the same, with the only difference being the upright itself?

rockauto lists a raybestos front lower ball joint for an 04 STR, $87, seems reasonable,

Only question is, will I order this and come to find out its another 99-02 ball joint application!?

edit: cross references with thunderbird and LS... yup another 99-02 ball joint grouped in with 03 cars...

GREAT.. time to order $275 per side STR uprights... :rollseyes:

 

Yea I am with you! I get excited when I find a listing for 2003 and up ball joints but so far it's always an error in the listing.

The ball joints have to made separately but we just can't find where they are in the aftermarket world.

Still can't believe the people who make the 2000-2002 ball joints would not jump on supplying the 2003 and up versions.
.
.
.

 

Didn't reyesl above point to the 16mm ball joint on ebay?

Copied link here: New Lincoln LS 16mm Lower Ball Joints 2 02 06 OE Spec | eBay

Another more recent ebay offering: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-FRONT-LOWE...r#ht_907wt_678

 

I think 16mm does not equal 03+ s-type ball joints, its simply the revised ball joint used in the updated suspensions found on 02+ LS, Thunderbirds, etc, and cross references with 03+ s-types too...

Rock auto responded to my inquiry about their listing, and they say "well the ball joint DOES NOT cross reference with 99-02 s-type or 99-02 lincoln LS, so im sure it will fit your 03+ STR too"

Yea... Pretty sure 03+ S cars do not interchange suspension wise with the 03+ LS cars...

looks like I'm off to welsh enterprises for replacement uprights...

too bad, because with a full machine shop to my disposal, including tig, lathe, hyraulic press, mill, I thought ball joint replacement could be a bit more reasonable!

I am going to go over the front end bushings and ball joints with a fine tooth comb this week, and try to narrow down the source of play in the front end leading to the steering wheel shimmy under braking, because after driving it spiritedly this weekend for the first time in months, I can't stand it already...

 

Not doubting you here but help me understand why you believe 16mm ball joint will not fit 2003+ S Type.

The second link in my post the vendor also sells 14mm ball joint and lists it specifically for pre-2003 application. Whereas the 16mm was listed for 2003+.

 

You’re missing the point. 14mm was the original size lower ball joint when the LS/S Type was released. It was considered under rated by Ford. They was a running change to the 16mm version. So you need to know the cars VIN to get the proper size. This size references the tapered shaft diameter of the ball joint. The base is the same size as the 14mm versions. So you could press in the 16mm version only to find the tapered shaft will not fit into the upright.

When Jaguar updated the S-Type for 2003+ the front suspension was completely changed and left the Lincoln LS behind. The two cars no longer shared the front suspension.

Again this is an error in the listing which is VERY common and only somewhere like this list would the differences be noted.
.
.
.

 

That's an inference explanation to why the 16mm ball joint specifically listed for 2003+ Jaguar S Type application will not work for 2003+ S Types.

It would be good if some can state factually why it will not work.

The completely redesigned 2003+ front suspension still has the front upright with pressed-in ball joint at the bottom. Though the bottom control arm split into two pieces, architecturally it's a carryover design.