Dorman 540-002 Suspension Ball Joint - Front Lower

Dorman 540-002 Front Lower Ball Joint

Dorman 540-002 is a threaded suspension ball joint built as a direct replacement for the original equipment design on select Ford and Mercury SUVs and trucks. It is precision-engineered and tested for dependable front suspension service on the Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, and Mountaineer.

Key Features

• Threaded, press-in suspension ball joint for front lower applications
• Metal construction with a grey finish
• Dust boot included to help protect the joint from contamination
• Castle nut and mounting hardware included
• Tapered stud with cotter pin hole
• Standard suspension grade replacement
• Grease fitting not included; non-greaseable design
• Compatible with 2006-2010 Ford Explorer, 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, and 2006-2010 Mercury Mountaineer, front lower

Detailed Description

This Dorman suspension ball joint, part number 540-002, is engineered for front lower suspension service where a worn joint can affect steering response, tire wear, and front-end stability. The threaded design, press-in mounting type, and tapered stud match the OE-style layout used on select Ford Explorer, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, and Mercury Mountaineer models. A polychloroprene dust boot is included to help shield the joint from road debris and moisture, while the metal body supports consistent fit and function in demanding suspension use. This part cross-references MOOG Chassis Products K80771 for the same application.

What It Helps Fix

• Front-end clunking or popping over bumps
• Loose or imprecise steering feel
• Uneven tire wear caused by excess suspension play
• Suspension noise from a worn lower ball joint
• Inspection failures related to ball joint wear

Installation Notes and Tips

Fits 2006-2010 Ford Explorer, front lower. Fits 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, front lower. Fits 2006-2010 Mercury Mountaineer, front lower. Verify the press-in, threaded configuration and stud dimensions before installation. The cotter pin hole and castle nut support secure fastening during assembly. Professional installation and proper suspension alignment are recommended after replacement.

Quality Assurance

Dorman states this ball joint is precision-engineered and rigorously tested to provide reliable OE-style replacement performance on the listed vehicles.