1999 Accord Ball Joints
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Joined: Oct 2007
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1999 Accord Ball Joints
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
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
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Follow-up
Well, I got the lowers changed over the weekend. Here's the scoop, in no special order:
1) Honda's bullsh*t about needing a new knuckle is just that. The ball joint can be replaced, no problem. This saved me over $700 in parts!
2) NAPA is one source for ball joints. They will also press the old ones out, and the new ones in, for $15.00. Cheaper than a ball joint press plus adapters for a Honda. You obviously have to R/R the knuckles.
3) A ball joint popper, rather than a pickle fork, is the way to go, at least for Honda ball joints. It won't rip the boot, and it'll pop the joints (3 per side) lickedy-split.
4) Lots of penetrating oil and a good deal of patience is needed for this job.
5) Don't bother spending time getting the ABS wheel speed sensor off the hub. Undo the cable under the hood and fish the cable out/in. It's a lot faster.
Darren
1) Honda's bullsh*t about needing a new knuckle is just that. The ball joint can be replaced, no problem. This saved me over $700 in parts!
2) NAPA is one source for ball joints. They will also press the old ones out, and the new ones in, for $15.00. Cheaper than a ball joint press plus adapters for a Honda. You obviously have to R/R the knuckles.
3) A ball joint popper, rather than a pickle fork, is the way to go, at least for Honda ball joints. It won't rip the boot, and it'll pop the joints (3 per side) lickedy-split.
4) Lots of penetrating oil and a good deal of patience is needed for this job.
5) Don't bother spending time getting the ABS wheel speed sensor off the hub. Undo the cable under the hood and fish the cable out/in. It's a lot faster.
Darren