{"product_id":"dorman-538-388-suspension-ball-joint-front-lower","title":"Dorman 538-388 Suspension Ball Joint - Front Lower","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDorman 538-388 Front Lower Ball Joint\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDorman 538-388 is a threaded suspension ball joint built as a standard replacement for the original equipment on select Ford applications. It is precision-engineered and tested for reliable service on the front lower suspension, including Ford EcoSport and Ford Fiesta fitments.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandard replacement suspension ball joint for OE-style service\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThreaded, bolt-in mounting design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSteel construction with grey finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDust boot included with rubber boot material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting hardware included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 mm wrench size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePinch-style stud design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with front lower suspension locations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Dorman suspension ball joint, part number 538-388, is designed for front lower suspension service on 2004-2012 Ford EcoSport and 2003-2010 Ford Fiesta models. It uses a threaded, bolt-in mounting type with a pinch-style stud and three mounting holes for secure installation. The steel body, rubber dust boot, and standard suspension grade construction support dependable replacement performance where the original joint has worn or loosened.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis part cross-references Monroe Shocks \u0026amp; Struts (e.g., 172286, 182286) for the same application.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCommon Repair Symptoms\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFront-end clunking or popping over bumps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcessive play in the lower suspension joint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUneven tire wear from worn steering and suspension geometry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoose or imprecise steering feel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisible dust boot wear or joint contamination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eInstallation Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFits 2004-2012 Ford EcoSport, front lower. Fits 2003-2010 Ford Fiesta, front lower. Verify the threaded mounting style, stud type, and front lower position before installation. Inspect the surrounding control arm and hardware for wear, and follow the vehicle service procedure for torque and alignment checks after replacement. Part number 538-388 is also referenced for OE-style service on these applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eQuality Assurance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDorman manufactures this ball joint as a precision-engineered replacement and subjects it to testing for reliable fit and function on the listed vehicles. The design follows standard replacement specifications for consistent service in the front lower suspension.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dorman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52763259568309,"sku":"BKKY-538-388","price":23.58,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0628\/1442\/1173\/files\/RB_538388_Bac.jpg?v=1783144855","url":"https:\/\/www.partcatalog.com\/products\/dorman-538-388-suspension-ball-joint-front-lower","provider":"PartCatalog","version":"1.0","type":"link"}