Hey all:

I have a 99 Accord V6 (104K Miles) and I need to replace my upper ball joint covers and probably my lower ones relatively soon. There is nothing wrong with the joints, just the boots are busted up top. I consulted my trusty Helms manual and it looks pretty straightforward if you have the right Honda tool (07GAG-SD40700). I can get it online from some dealers for around $60-$70 shipped... a little more than I was hoping to pay for a tool that I will use a few times.

From the manual it appears that the tool is just used for expanding the cir-clip spring and sliding it over the boot so it pops in the right place and you don't cut the boot trying to get it on. Does anyone disagree with this??

So, two questions:

1: Has anybody successfully done this using another method without the tool??

2: Does anyone have the tool and could give me the basic dimensions (OD, ID, Length) of it since I have access to a machine shop at work?? I could easily turn it down from some stock in no time.

Thanks in advance for any help!!