Hello,

I've already used the Search function but couldnt find what i needed. I have a 94 Accord, the dealer tells me i need new lower ball joints. I can do everything up to removing the spindles from the vehicle.

So a couple questions: What is the proper tool to replace the ball joints? My shop manual gives me a part number for a Honda tool. Can the Autozone ball joint replacement tool do the trick? the one i saw looks like a 2 jaw puller. 'm assuming you clamp it from above, and press down on the ball joint to pop it out, and the opposite to press back in?

also they are saying i need a new right upper control arm- i'm assuming its because that ball joint is bad. can i replace just the ball joint, or do i have to get the whole arm? I've seen it on Ebay for $50 shipped.

Thanks!

 

You will likely need a 2 jaw puller or a universal balljoint seporator to remove the balljoint stud from the lower control arm. *Sometimes* these will come out if you tap the lower control arm on the flatened spots or tap on the balljoint stud. The same tool(s) will be used to seperate the upper balljoint from the spindle. The tool you saw is similar to this? http://www.classiccougar.net/ViTech/...s/image014.jpg
If so then to remove the lower balljoint you would use it upside down from that photo and clamp the arms around the lower control arm and thread the ram screw into the ball joint stud

There are usually metal snap/o-rings that hold the balljoints in place. After removing those tap on the balljoint stud and the cup (edge where the larger part of the rubber boot attatches to the joint) to remove the joint. Installation is similar; just carefully tap the joints in being sure not to damage any of the boots or threads.

If they are saying you need a new upper control arm it is probably becasue of the balljoint like you said BUT it could also be the mount bushings OR the arm could be bent. Check your right upper balljoint boot for cracks and wobbles, try and figure out why they said you need a new upper control arm. If the upper balljoint is clearly damaged than the balljoint are removable/replacable.

Hope this helps, Ian

 

Thanks so much for your reply! I've seen this tool before, I didnt know if I really needed a press to press in/out, but if this will do it, then i can "rent" this from Autozone.

I started looking on Ebay last night and found a pair of upper control arms (new reproductions) are cheaper than a single upper ball joint from Napa, so I ordered that. I also ordered a pair of new lower ball joints, and a pair of wheel bearings. Hopefully after all this the car will ride like new.

Thanks again!