replacing ball joints

['93accordse]

ok, i gotta replace my upper and lower ball joints because i blew the hell out of them in my accident. Now, according to Haynes the Uppers can't be replaced, you hafta replace the upper control arm. Is this true?

Also, it tells me i cant replace the lower one, but should remove the whole assembly and take it to a shop where they have "special tools". Is this necessary? i mean, im not tryin to get them out nice, just need them out so i can replace them. So can i take like a hammer to it? anyways, thanks in advance.

[92accordDx]

as far as i know you cant take out the top one. the bottom one im not sure about.

[Jarrett]

The only special tool you need to remove the bottom one, or either one for that matter, is an air hammer. It is not recommended to install the ball joints in the same fashion as removal but I've done it plenty of times with no problems. As far as not being able replace the upper ball joint is concerned, I don't see why not. They sell adjustable ball joints for it. How else would you put them in? Someone clarify?

[vmchurch]

yea, i gotta do this too. ANyone know how much it costs?

[accordztech]

i replaced my upper one, i decided to replace the whole upper arm. i could of just replaced the bushing that covers the ball but i dindt want to get dirty....

its easy, 3 bolts.

[BustedLX]

There's a specail tool for the lower joints made by OTC. Basically it's for the installation of the joint without the need of a press. It's a "C" clamp looking tool that has a few adapters that allows you to press the joint in using an impact wrench. Works awesome.

I replaced both my upper arms because I could not get the upper joint alone from Honda.

[KenGVR4]

No, you cannot press the upper ball joints out. You have to get replacement control arm to replace the upper ball joint. I bought a pair of new replacements off Ebay for 100 bucks.

I think it's the same company that makes replacement carpet kits for the Accord that get sold on Ebay also.

And to install the lowers, all you need to do is to put the new ball joints in the freezer for a couple of hours, heat the PISS out of the lower control arm, and then while the ball joints are cold, and the control arm is still hot, just tap the new ball joints in. Works like a champ.

[BustedLX]

Originally posted by KenGVR4
And to install the lowers, all you need to do is to put the new ball joints in the freezer for a couple of hours, heat the PISS out of the lower control arm, and then while the ball joints are cold, and the control arm is still hot, just tap the new ball joints in. Works like a champ.

Yeah but you weaken the integrity of the control arm by heating it.

[92cord]

yeah, you have to get an upper control arm to change the upper ball joint.

i just had my lower ones replaced cuz I didn't have a "C" clamp or a press, and I took it to a Honda dealership. costed me an arm and a leg, but it had to be done cuz i wouldn't have anything else to drive.

[infuryum]

Originally posted by Jarrett
The only special tool you need to remove the bottom one, or either one for that matter, is an air hammer. It is not recommended to install the ball joints in the same fashion as removal but I've done it plenty of times with no problems.

I've had mine replaced the same way on a Si. I think I mentioned it in another thread, but you can take the LCA assembly to a local shop and usually coerce them into tapping out the old one and tapping in a new one for around twenty bucks. You gotta provide the new ball joint, though.

[HondaFan81]

I've done this job twice already on both 90 EX and 91 SE Accords. I've replaced all ball joints up front & tie-rods. Here is how you can do it at home & prices I found in my area, etc.

Advance Auto Parts:

Upper arm w/ball joint $75/each
Lower ball joints $30/each
Outer tie-rod ends $42/each

Unstake & loosen spindle nut while car on ground. Put front on jackstands and remove spindle nut. Remove brake calipers & mounting brackets, tie it off to side. For ABS Accords, you'll have remove bolts related to ABS sensor to tie it off to side. Then, separate upper, lower & tie-rod ball joints. Remove knuckle. At this point remove upper arm (only 2 nuts in engine bay) & install new one w/torque of 40 lb-ft. Remove & install tie-rods, marking nut location on power steering of old tie-rod for minimal alignment probs. Simply tighten this nut by hand. Tighten the ball joint nut on tie-rod to 32 lb-ft. Take knuckle and use vise to hold it so the lower ball joint shaft is facing upwards. Remove boot & outside snap-ring (snap-ring pliers). Open vise enough that you can support knuckle, just under lower ball joint & have room for lower ball joint to fall down in between vise jaws. Find socket or metal tube that fits onto the base of joint w/proper height. Then, just knock it down with a good weight hammer & it will pop out after some good hits (even if rusted). Press new ones in by positioning knuckle over center of vise & having a right size presser & hollow tube on other side & run down the vise til it bottoms out. Install new outside snap-ring. Lower ball joint nut is 40 lb-ft. Install knuckle & thread all nuts on ball joints. Torque down lower ball joint nut first, then upper is my opinion, finally tie rod ball joint nut. Tighten spindle nut as much as you can with whatever tools you have before you lower car. Finish torque of 180 lb-ft on spindle nut while car on ground. Finally, schedule alignment appointment for your car, replacing ball joints will throw it off some...especially replacing tie-rods if done incorrectly.

Recently did the 91 SE job, would have taken pictures & included the rotor change I did too, but my sis took to the digi cam...sorry guys.

[KenGVR4]

Originally posted by BustedLX
Yeah but you weaken the integrity of the control arm by heating it.

It doesn't weaken a damn thing. I know "a little" about material science. You're not heating it up enough by just using a pussy ass propane torch.

[zipcreature]

Upper ball joints cannot be removed PERIOD or only not EASILY?



I ordered 4 of these yesterday thinking I could replace the top and bottem ball joints.

- Zipcreature

[zipcreature]

bump i need to know this shaz.

- Zipcreature

[Tenji]

Yes, the upper ball joint is replacable. Just take the whole control arm off and look underneath for a c clip ring thing. remove that and hammer that balljoint out.