pehanlon

I'm a bit puzzled how to remove the lower ball joint from a 1997 Honda Accord. I'm able to separate the ball joint (and steering knuckle) from the suspension parts but for the life of me, I am unable to determine how to remove the ball joint. Chilton's does not do justice to their directions at times.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

slomofo

iTrader: (1)

Four ways:

1. You can use a puller. (this is the hard way because the ball joint is in the knuckle as opposed to the control arm like other cars)
2. You can remove the knuckle and use a press.
3. You can leave the knuckle on the car and use an air hammer. (this is a little hard)
4. You can remove the knuckle and use an air hammer (this is the easiest way)

If you use an air hammer, don't use a chisel, use the round, flat faced attachment.


Note: Some aftermarket ball joints have a snap-ring that keeps it from coming out, but most people don't put it in on the Accord.

pehanlon

Is this the type of puller required?
http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1...rm_puller.html

I'd prefer to find a way to not have to remove the knuckle?

Thanks.

slomofo

iTrader: (1)

That would be the right one, but it's going to take 5x as long as it would other methods. Do you have an air hammer? You can do it with an air hammer without knuckle removal. Knuckle removal takes about 3.5 minutes if you're worried about difficulty.