Hi Y'all:

Got a question. I've got a 1999 Accord V6 2-door coupe that needs, at least, lower ball joints. Honda does not sell 'em, does not say they are replaceable -- you have to buy a new knuckle or control arm for the upper, cha-ching.

Now, looking around the net and elsewhere shows upper and lower ball joints *are* available from third parties. Also, the local NAPA will press out/in the ball joints if I bring the knuckle to them. Good deal, I can R\R the knuckles and control arms without difficulty -- already had them out -- and for $15 they'll R/R the ball joint.

What I need to know is the lower ball joint appeared to have a "collar" on the inner side, a few mm up from the knunckle surface and that would appear to interfere with pressing out the joint. The replacement I had (which turned out to be the wrong size anyway) just had a clip in a slightly different place. Is it neccessary to cut the "collar" off the ball joint to replace it? Has anyone replaced these "non-replaceable" ball joints? How did it work out for you?

Thanks,

Darren