A video where Ray resorts to using the sawzall, drill or torch is never a bad video. As Ray has said in the past, these parts underestimate Ray's ability and willingness to escalate to more extreme forms of violence. 😂
Those pieces of body armor are there to ensure that if you have a front end collision it makes sure that the bolts in the control arms bend so you have to cut them out.
Ye,and a bit overkill it looked as if they were supports for the front bumper,they obviously done the job they were designed for,maybe to prevent the front chassis legs from having excess damage in a front end,surprisingly they didn't bend.
Its always good to see employees WITH integrity! Caught Troy using an actual torque wrench on tires! While he didnt know he was being observed!!! Bravo!!! Canidate for Crew Chief of the month right there!
I agree with you there. I sure would like to know about Troy's mechanical history. I bet that would also be _a very good video_ just like the rest of Ray's uploaded "children."
Helpful hint: if the lower control arm is horizontal, there is no side load on the rear bushing and the vertical bolt will easily drop out, especially if an uncovered floor drain is close by.
I'm a diesel tech at a truck dealership and I usually watch your videos when I get home. Your skill and positive attitude has definitely helped my diagnostic ability and happiness/optimism/sense of purpose at my job. Thank you ray
I work as A Ford Technician here in Chicago those Transit control arms are a common job.i always get new bolts and cut the old bolts off..it seized inside the bushing insert
Good job Ray on getting your shop dialed it. It’s looking good. I’m sure the van needs some new KYB strut assembly’s . Bolts like that one not coming out are a real ticker. Ray has heard it many times but I’m gonna say it again , Ray is a great mechanic.
I don't own a shop, but if it was me I would switch the HD lift with the center lift and mount the lift a foot or two farther away from the wall. Might limit access to the angled lift but I would use the new used on and the HD lift most of the time. Use the angled lift for smaller cars.
I was very glad to see you made the right/safe choice of re-thinking your lift points. The ball joints only came out because you re-affirmed my love for penetrating fluid. Once we saw the whole van had been tweaked, I really enjoyed/learned something when you had to get it apart. I look forward to seeing how and if you need to tweak it back to where it was to reassemble it or if it will just go together willingly.
I am in the HVAC&R trade and came across a footwear tailor when fixing his heatpump. He is now retired and found out we both watch your channel. You inspire great trades by doing it right. If Trevor sees this you know who you are.
Hi Ray. I'm in the UK and can feel your pain. Best way to remove that arm is to get it level and the bolt will fall out. With the salty roads over here l, that bolt usually rusts to the steel sleeve in the bush.
OMG, I’m so happy to see I’m not the only one to have a simple job go way south. Those ball joints absolutely had to be done though. Even without the suspicion of an accident, they’re well worn.
And on the driver side, the rubber boot just fell off with vibration. So, it was not all that well seated anymore. I also think I saw grit in the exposed joint.
As another viewer noted, those bolts usually just rust horribly in the bracket and threads. Another youtuber suggested if you have a new transit , take bolts out and apply antiseize compound or grease on them right away to try and prevent problem. Also the spark coil bolts are prone to seize in valve covers apparently. The latest transits to 2024 are exactly same design.
Yes those big galvanized running boards indicate that was purchased from U-Haul when it was relatively new. Trust me those are very heavy to take off too. They use existing factory holes in the frame with special fasteners. I bought my 2014 E250 from U-Haul with 2400 miles back in early 2015. They used to flip their small vans very quickly. Don’t know now if that’s still the case.
used to work for Ziebart rustproofing. The guy doing the undercoating has A Chevy SS454 pickup to do. He centered it on the rack not realizing that A big block short box truck was gonna be front heavy. It fell. No one was hurt, except a few grand fixing the truck... j/s
Ray, I watch your videos every day. You are an excellent mechanic I mechanic all my life some on vehicles and heavy equipment, love watching your videos keep up the good work big ED coming to you from western Kentucky. Hope you and your family has a wonderful day.
You probably already know this Ray, but if you can get the foot of the saws all against a solid surface, it will cut faster. It lets the blade flex less, and helps prevent you from absorbing the reciprocation from the saw.
Of course, you need to have sufficient clearance beyond the cut for the length of the blade. It looked like, for the lower of each cut, that space was partially occluded by a structural curve of that lower plate.
Hey Ray, Troy says he wants his shirt back😂😂😂. "Two things you thought would bring drama and two others that actually did! If it doesn't capitulate, escalate! Great video 👊
Ray on the driver's side where that bad ball joint was that bracket it was stuck in look at it carefully I swear I seen a Crack in it which means the new ball joint could bust out of it. It's a small Crack just around the rim of where the ball joint goes in at or it's just paint Crack is it painted ?
Looks like everything on that front end is junk. When he pulled the DS boot off the ball joint, you could see how much slop it had in it. Then add in the collision damage like you mentioned. Throw some parts on it and see if it will align🙃
Transit vans are great money makers for the repair industry! As long as you have all the specialty tools, sawzalls, torches and four elbows it's easy money!
I was in exactly the same situation when I had to replace a front lower control arm on a 2012 Fiat 500 (same as a 2nd Gen Ford Ka). There was a beam from the subframe to the front bumper obscuring the front bolt of the control arm. Fortunately, it wasn't too bad to remove. I hope the owner gets the front tyres replaced and the front wheel alignment done.
I think I might have devised a better way of using prying force, while turning the bolts, before resorting to the slide hammer and sawzall. I think you’re still inclined to forget you have an extra pair of hands that can be used to hold tools for you. Watching you struggle to work with one hand, when 4 are available is always a toss up between fun and frustration. Still, you got there in the end. Bet you were sweaty! Props for getting through it.
you can charge this guy a heck more for this repair. I suspect that he already knew this (hence the supply of material)and chose you for your ignorance (positively meant) What I can't stand is that a lot of people are not honest in their communication and use other good willing people to take care of their shit
Seems like I run into problems like this which should be simple then realize, no lift, not enough tools, not enough experience, not enough patience and fear car will be stuck broke down in driveway then face massive expensive repairs from someone I don’t trust. Choosing battles wisely is important. Wish I could find a good honest mechanic like Ray.
At my shop ive done a few transmissions and even catalytic converters on these vans where that subframe has to come out. Even with only 50k miles ive had to cut the control arms to get those rear control arm bolts out.
I'll always remember the moment I witnessed the Battle of the Ball Joints. One of those things you carry with you the rest of your life. And then the Love Interest shows up to add the pathos in the middle of the battle. The stuff of legends.
An incredibly impressive video Ray. You increasingly amaze me with your capacity to be both creative and strongarm your way to success. Applause (in the background). Thanks for the video.
Catch 22: if the control arm bushing fails, you can't get the bolt out. If the bushing is intact, there's no reason to change the control arm! Been there, did that, had to drive 2hrs round trip to get the only two suspension bolts left in dealership inventory in six counties. Keep up the good work, Ray, you inspire us all to just keep calm and impact on. Also, torque wrench clicks - shoutout to 15:26 !
Ya kno.... you have a NEW dimension in auto repair: The use of video to document unexpected difficulties. You would be able to quote repairs but with reservation that extra problems = extra charge BUT with video capture.
4:00 I didn't like those support points on the front frame either, glad you decided to move them inboard to the flat and likely much more stable frame area.
Thought of you, Ray, this past weekend while changing steering knuckles on my Cherokee. Four cans of Brake Kleen. (for you non Jeep people, on XJ/TJ the brake pads slide on the knuckles, not a caliper bracket, and scrape grooves into in the metal; the only fix is to weld the divots, or replace the knuckles)
I did lower control arms on my accord myself the passenger side was smooth and easy had it done within 30 mins everything came out easily and went back in easily. Moved to the drivers side, the straight up bolt through the body would not budge out of the sleeve on the control arm. Had to pay a mechanic with a torch to get that cow out . Never say the job is going to be quick and easy you jinx yourself especially on cars that live in the salt belt
A video where Ray resorts to using the sawzall, drill or torch is never a bad video. As Ray has said in the past, these parts underestimate Ray's ability and willingness to escalate to more extreme forms of violence. 😂
It's the power station paradigm, or Chuck Noll's favorite saying:
"Whatever it takes!"
Always fun cutting out suspension bolts ain't it thought I was losing my mind the last ones I did
Every bolt on the rear of a 2010 mitsubishi shogun
almost like watching 'Tim Taylor' when he gets all his stuff out but Al does all the work.😁
👍🇺🇸😎
Can't be stuck if its a liquid! :D
Ultra violence activated
Those pieces of body armor are there to ensure that if you have a front end collision it makes sure that the bolts in the control arms bend so you have to cut them out.
Sounds about right.
Ye,and a bit overkill it looked as if they were supports for the front bumper,they obviously done the job they were designed for,maybe to prevent the front chassis legs from having excess damage in a front end,surprisingly they didn't bend.
Maybe Ray has the Sawzall set on "Reverse"??🤔
Looks like those front braces did their job making a simple job more difficult.
@@1gerard47 They where probably replaced after the accident.
In my 65 years of wrenching I have found more than once the "easy" jobs can be the most difficult due to simple parts. Good job!
ain"t that the truth!! I don"t care if its a wiper blade or a turn signal bulb ,if you think its gonna be easy it turns into an hour job lol!!
You aint lied not one bit with that statement.
Thank god you readjusted the front lift positions. I was looking thinking that’s only ever going to end badly. 👍
I was screaming at the monitor NOooo !
Especially with all that slide hammering, banging and muscling being done. Whew!
the other shop did it on ground level stands@@frankvucolo6249
Yep, if it doesn't look right or feel right, IT ISN'T RIGHT ☠
Its always good to see employees WITH integrity! Caught Troy using an actual torque wrench on tires! While he didnt know he was being observed!!! Bravo!!! Canidate for Crew Chief of the month right there!
M
Tornadoman Troy's Repairs
I agree with you there. I sure would like to know about Troy's mechanical history. I bet that would also be _a very good video_ just like the rest of Ray's uploaded "children."
Have to torque him out of that ! no need for that on non performance motors.
Mercedes dealer will hire Troy and fire his 'Master of Mental Torque'.
Helpful hint: if the lower control arm is horizontal, there is no side load on the rear bushing and the vertical bolt will easily drop out, especially if an uncovered floor drain is close by.
Yes, and if you out-clever yourself by covering up the floor drain, it’ll NEVER come out (without a Ray-approved sawzall)!
Normally with straight bolt yes. Floor drain is an extra. Then it is fishing time for wife with small hands. Retired mechanic in Land Down Under.
@@bobhudson6659 She has magnetic fingers? Did you retire before neodymium?
@@bobhudson6659 Doesn't stuff fall UP there?
Yep. they like to find holes to hide in.
I'm a diesel tech at a truck dealership and I usually watch your videos when I get home. Your skill and positive attitude has definitely helped my diagnostic ability and happiness/optimism/sense of purpose at my job. Thank you ray
Do your co-workers throw a sideways glance every time you say "click"? 😁
Don"t you just love the smell of diesel fuel in the morning!!!
Same here
@originalthreebeard…….or when he yells, GRAVITY……..when something is dropped
I work on Ford vans at my dealership, I am so glad you moved the front pads. My anxiety went to the roof at the first spot.
hey Ray it was good to see Troy in the background tightening wheel nuts with a tension wrench, obviously he has learnt something.
Yes! I had the same thought. Look at him go!
"Cleeek" "Cleeeek" "Cleeek"
he bought the skill with him, Ray just uses torque sticks.
85th! GOOD HUMPDAY RAY AND THE WIFE UNIT! I also wish a great HUMPDAY to the two new employees! Roger in Pierre South Dakota
Ray you have unbelievable patience. Bravo, I would of been throwing stuff around the shop
I work as A Ford Technician here in Chicago those Transit control arms are a common job.i always get new bolts and cut the old bolts off..it seized inside the bushing insert
Troy's learning from the best. Hope he's watching and notices that you just don't give up
Lots of Issues with this van with the bent bolts and Them ball joints didn't want to to come out good video as always 41:29 @Rainman Ray's Repairs
Good job Ray on getting your shop dialed it. It’s looking good. I’m sure the van needs some new KYB strut assembly’s . Bolts like that one not coming out are a real ticker. Ray has heard it many times but I’m gonna say it again , Ray is a great mechanic.
I would say Ray's a *mechanical engineer.* His skillset is brilliant IMO!! 👍👍👍👍👍
I heard that Ray's a great actor, and this program is being filmed on Warner Bros. old back lot in Hollywood. 😎
I don't own a shop, but if it was me I would switch the HD lift with the center lift and mount the lift a foot or two farther away from the wall. Might limit access to the angled lift but I would use the new used on and the HD lift most of the time. Use the angled lift for smaller cars.
I was very glad to see you made the right/safe choice of re-thinking your lift points. The ball joints only came out because you re-affirmed my love for penetrating fluid. Once we saw the whole van had been tweaked, I really enjoyed/learned something when you had to get it apart. I look forward to seeing how and if you need to tweak it back to where it was to reassemble it or if it will just go together willingly.
I am in the HVAC&R trade and came across a footwear tailor when fixing his heatpump. He is now retired and found out we both watch your channel. You inspire great trades by doing it right.
If Trevor sees this you know who you are.
Hi Ray. I'm in the UK and can feel your pain. Best way to remove that arm is to get it level and the bolt will fall out. With the salty roads over here l, that bolt usually rusts to the steel sleeve in the bush.
Anybody else notice Ray was wearing Troy's work shirt
OMG, I’m so happy to see I’m not the only one to have a simple job go way south.
Those ball joints absolutely had to be done though. Even without the suspicion of an accident, they’re well worn.
And on the driver side, the rubber boot just fell off with vibration. So, it was not all that well seated anymore.
I also think I saw grit in the exposed joint.
First time I've seen a working mechanic in cowboy boots. Go Troy.
Not even Troys lucky shirt helped 😂
As another viewer noted, those bolts usually just rust horribly in the bracket and threads. Another youtuber suggested if you have a new transit , take bolts out and apply antiseize compound or grease on them right away to try and prevent problem. Also the spark coil bolts are prone to seize in valve covers apparently. The latest transits to 2024 are exactly same design.
Yes those big galvanized running boards indicate that was purchased from U-Haul when it was relatively new. Trust me those are very heavy to take off too. They use existing factory holes in the frame with special fasteners. I bought my 2014 E250 from U-Haul with 2400 miles back in early 2015. They used to flip their small vans very quickly. Don’t know now if that’s still the case.
That support beam your calling it Ray is The Bumper Crush Bar and bumper Support 8:50 @Rainman Ray's Repairs
Glad to see you re-racked the front end. That was pretty spooky looking on the outside edge.
These Euro-Fords really rock. Easy peasy maintenance...Oh, how I miss the Econoline.
Hey Ray! You should install a mirror on the wall so you can see when you are right up against the wall.
used to work for Ziebart rustproofing. The guy doing the undercoating has A Chevy SS454 pickup to do. He centered it on the rack not realizing that A big block short box truck was gonna be front heavy. It fell. No one was hurt, except a few grand fixing the truck... j/s
wearing Troy's shirt today.....
Gotta love when someone smirks and says, I gotta easy one for ya...
Man, that was painful to watch. Thank you for your hard work !
You are the man ,great work
Ray, I watch your videos every day. You are an excellent mechanic I mechanic all my life some on vehicles and heavy equipment, love watching your videos keep up the good work big ED coming to you from western Kentucky. Hope you and your family has a wonderful day.
3 words, "Factory Shop Manual". They have saved me a ton of hours.
You probably already know this Ray, but if you can get the foot of the saws all against a solid surface, it will cut faster. It lets the blade flex less, and helps prevent you from absorbing the reciprocation from the saw.
Of course, you need to have sufficient clearance beyond the cut for the length of the blade.
It looked like, for the lower of each cut, that space was partially occluded by a structural curve of that lower plate.
Hey Ray, Troy says he wants his shirt back😂😂😂. "Two things you thought would bring drama and two others that actually did! If it doesn't capitulate, escalate! Great video 👊
That is a simple job escalating into a major PIA!! Your patience is a blessing to the business.
Pita like the bread...😅
Anyone else notice he was wearing Troy's shirt lol
Ray on the driver's side where that bad ball joint was that bracket it was stuck in look at it carefully I swear I seen a Crack in it which means the new ball joint could bust out of it. It's a small Crack just around the rim of where the ball joint goes in at or it's just paint Crack is it painted ?
Ray's commentary on this one was very entertaining!
Time for the plasma cutter... If it's liquid, it can't be stuck!😂
Lol, but no.
I tell you what, ford has some really brilliant engineer's.
Hey Ray and Wife Unit. Greetings from Australia. Keep up the good work!!
Eric O and Ray uploaded at the same time this morning. Good morning from a suburb near Chicago. ❤❤👍👍👍
Just tuned in from CQ in Australia. Been watching Ray for a couple of years now. He's brilliant.
Central Queensland ?
@@greenriver520
Central NSW here 🇦🇺👍
Sydney here.
I especially appreciate how careful you are with lift safety. Well done, sir!
mannnnn!!!! That would’ve been ten times harder without that air hammer!!!! Somewhere there’s a guy beating the hell outta that ball joint!😅🥲😂
I think the "Ford Strategy" is to make it so difficult to repair that you replace the entire hub assemblies.
Ray has met and defeated the Final Boss of automotive repair!!! This is ... A Very Good Video!!!!
There's a chance the SAI or caster on the alignment will be at the edge of spec. Replacing the control arms will help but the subframe may be tweaked.
Looks like everything on that front end is junk. When he pulled the DS boot off the ball joint, you could see how much slop it had in it. Then add in the collision damage like you mentioned. Throw some parts on it and see if it will align🙃
Transit vans are great money makers for the repair industry! As long as you have all the specialty tools, sawzalls, torches and four elbows it's easy money!
I was in exactly the same situation when I had to replace a front lower control arm on a 2012 Fiat 500 (same as a 2nd Gen Ford Ka). There was a beam from the subframe to the front bumper obscuring the front bolt of the control arm. Fortunately, it wasn't too bad to remove. I hope the owner gets the front tyres replaced and the front wheel alignment done.
Agreed!
Another vocabulary enhancing experience!!! I bought the same Milwaukee kit from Amazon. Money very well spent!!!!!!!!
I think I might have devised a better way of using prying force, while turning the bolts, before resorting to the slide hammer and sawzall. I think you’re still inclined to forget you have an extra pair of hands that can be used to hold tools for you. Watching you struggle to work with one hand, when 4 are available is always a toss up between fun and frustration.
Still, you got there in the end. Bet you were sweaty!
Props for getting through it.
“Should” gets you almost every time!
Funny how an easy job become difficult.
you can charge this guy a heck more for this repair. I suspect that he already knew this (hence the supply of material)and chose you for your ignorance (positively meant) What I can't stand is that a lot of people are not honest in their communication and use other good willing people to take care of their shit
I was REALLY hoping for "Customer states, A/C does not blow cold!"
I was a mechanic since the 70s
Whenever we bought a loaded control arm it came with everything
Same with loaded brake calipers
Seems like I run into problems like this which should be simple then realize, no lift, not enough tools, not enough experience, not enough patience and fear car will be stuck broke down in driveway then face massive expensive repairs from someone I don’t trust. Choosing battles wisely is important. Wish I could find a good honest mechanic like Ray.
Wow that was a physical and mental workout!
Good way to enjoy my coffee. Have a good day Ray!
patience is a virtue !!!!! years of experience is showing here
She's a tough one. What a workout.
gotta love Rays positive attitude. he really has a nice well equipped auto service station. he is one of the few guys i would trust to work on my car.
I trust Troy more.
At my shop ive done a few transmissions and even catalytic converters on these vans where that subframe has to come out. Even with only 50k miles ive had to cut the control arms to get those rear control arm bolts out.
A lot of knowledge, thinking outside the box, and problem-solving. Interesting.
I'll always remember the moment I witnessed the Battle of the Ball Joints. One of those things you carry with you the rest of your life. And then the Love Interest shows up to add the pathos in the middle of the battle. The stuff of legends.
Gotta love the name tag on Ray’s shirt at the 34:20 mark!
Eric O probably sitting back with popcorn laughing 😂
That's a nice change. A working horse unit
That weird bracket probably stops the bumper flapping in the wind. Another great video, thank you!
Front end videos are the best.
I like Troy in the background with his shorts and cowboy boots on, I have donned that dress code many times myself.
An incredibly impressive video Ray. You increasingly amaze me with your capacity to be both creative and strongarm your way to success. Applause (in the background). Thanks for the video.
That looked like delivering twins side by side at the same time.
‘Oh, they’re coming out-one way or another.’
Catch 22: if the control arm bushing fails, you can't get the bolt out. If the bushing is intact, there's no reason to change the control arm! Been there, did that, had to drive 2hrs round trip to get the only two suspension bolts left in dealership inventory in six counties. Keep up the good work, Ray, you inspire us all to just keep calm and impact on.
Also, torque wrench clicks - shoutout to 15:26 !
1058 Troy displays magical abilities by disappearing in front of our eyes. Impressive.
Glad to see the ear protection........... very necessary.
Heart of a lion, patience of a saint. Saint Ray of spanners, the newly appointed patron saint of mechanics!
I’m all tensed up now! I was fighting the good fight with you on those ball joints!
All the issues is why it was brought to you Ray. They know you have the answers.
ball joints press out and in i ended up getting a OTC pullers for that
Ya kno.... you have a NEW dimension in auto repair: The use of video to document unexpected difficulties. You would be able to quote repairs but with reservation that extra problems = extra charge BUT with video capture.
Nothing like a repair that fights you the whole time.
The Battle of the Ball Joints! From the chronicles of the Air Hammer Wars.
Ball joints…remove bolts, cut bolt flanges off, press out using normular protocol. 👍
I love his narration style and vocabulary.
I don’t miss the drama of the old videos. But a good ol’ do da doo da doo when the phone rings would be nice to hear again.
At 12:09 you could have used a spacer with the pickle fork to continue the downwood motion with hammer
Also could have pushed back up on the bolt, cut at top with clearance issue, then pulled out.
Love your work with the air hammer, "Troy"
4:00 I didn't like those support points on the front frame either, glad you decided to move them inboard to the flat and likely much more stable frame area.
Thought of you, Ray, this past weekend while changing steering knuckles on my Cherokee. Four cans of Brake Kleen.
(for you non Jeep people, on XJ/TJ the brake pads slide on the knuckles, not a caliper bracket, and scrape grooves into in the metal; the only fix is to weld the divots, or replace the knuckles)
I did lower control arms on my accord myself the passenger side was smooth and easy had it done within 30 mins everything came out easily and went back in easily. Moved to the drivers side, the straight up bolt through the body would not budge out of the sleeve on the control arm. Had to pay a mechanic with a torch to get that cow out . Never say the job is going to be quick and easy you jinx yourself especially on cars that live in the salt belt
The most suspenseful video I’ve ever seen
Well done sir
I am sitting here pulling for you every time that you pull on the hammer. WOW!!
im loving the turbo charged shake weight
Rainman Ray's Repairs..The smile on your Wife Unit!....awesome.....
VIEWER TIP...U-HAUL KEEPS GOOD MAINTENANCE ON FLEET VEHICLES!!! (I USED TO SERVICE U-HAUL GLASS IN PHX, AZ...HUGE ACRE LOT SOUTH EAST OF PHOENIX...)
Can you understand why some guys wont work on Fords. Not mechanically friendly. Your shop is looking great!
Just goes to show every day has a different challenge to overcome in the shop.