my lower ball joint snapped as i was driving. lucky i wasnt going any faster. how do i replace it?? what i dont understand is the metal ring that goes inside and how to take the top part out. also why im down there im goin to replace my cv boot because its been leaking, how do i do that too.

 

I haven't done the balljoints on a civic yet so I can't really help you there. Your better off replacing the axle and not just the cv boot. Chances are if the boot is split then the cv joint is bad or going to be bad. There is a DIY on the axle change just search the DIY section. If you decide to do just the boot it involves taking the axle out, cut the clips that hold the old one on, lube up, replace boot and clips.

 

The CV has to be pulled out of the hub, there's a circular metal ring that has to be pried off to pound, push or pull the balljoint up and out of the knuckle. I remove the entire knuckle and pound out the old ball joint, then use a socket and carefully pound in the new one. Some joints have a circlip and some don't, I've had both, they work the same.

I'd also get a reman or new shaft depending on your cash flow.