How do you replace the ball joint on a 1997 escort

Is there water in the exhaust system?

Always use original parts instead of aftermarket products.Original parts cost bit extra,but they are exact fit and last longer.Click this link below to troubleshoot the issue :----Upper Ball Joints inspection and replacement? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/upper-ball-joints-inspection-and.html How to Test Upper and Lower Ball Joint? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-test-lower-ball-joint.html How to inspect Upper and Lower Ball joint? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-inspect-lower-ball-joint.html How to Service Ball Joints on Car? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-service-lower-ball-joints-on-car.html How to Replace Ball joints? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-replace-lower-ball-joints.html Lower Ball Joints replacing on car? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/lower-ball-joints-replacing-on.html
---------This will help.Thanks.

hub is part of the spindle need to remove outer tie rod and upper and lower ball joints to remove

When you say I, do you mean you? Upper ball joint,
you had to replace the control arm. Lower ball joint,
you remove the steering knuckle and have a machine
shop replace the ball joint. I would back track and make
sure no bushings or bolts are missing and all is tight.
Of course there is always the possibility the ball joint
replaced is defective. If you personally didn't replace
the joint-take it back. Sounds dangerous.

Hello,

If the boot is split you will have to take apart the ball joint in order to fit a new boot. It is a good time to see if there is any play in the ball joint.
If all is ok fit the new boot after greasing the joint.

Regards
Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

you will have to put the car up and move the wheels side to side.if there is play there is a ball joint or tie rod end or stabilizer bar link that is bad.
it could also be a cv joint that is gone,look for a cracked boot or grease on the driveshaft.

on the 97 escort,check the sway bar,also the sway bar links.My daughter has a 97 escort,both sway bar links had to be replaced at 150,000.mi.relatively cheap to & easy to Replace.hope this helps
Richard

 just tare the axels down and pull the brake callipers and brake disks, to get to the ball joints. un bolt the nuts and take the peice holding the ball joints in and  then press out . But you need a ball joint press if you wanna do it on your own

This is a tough problem to answer. There are a lot of variables that can cause premature ball joint wear. The most common concern is the road you drive on, the tires and rims you are using and the mileage you have gone.The part that you installed,did it have a grease-able zerk fitting to add to the joint? Is the alignment correct, are there any other parts failing? (like the boot that covers the joint?)

Try a C-clip, like you use for a manual window roller