Last weekend I took the upper control arm off to replace the balljoint, but unable to remove it. The manual also said they are permanently mounted to the upper control arm. Since the autopart store sold the balljoint so I just go ahead and try to take the balljoint out. but no luck so I returned the balljoints that bought from the store.

Is there any after market control arm that I could replaced for cheaper? or I have to replace the whole arm and they aren't cheap about $270 each from autoparts store. Order online it's about $200 each. Do I have any option?
oh it's 92 prelude by the way
thanks,

 

sorry, its all one part, shop for best price, do you have a part number from Honda, I can look here in JDM land. Have you thought of a used part with a non torn boot on it, and then replace the boot when you get it in your hot little hands.

Build yourself a signature and include your cars info please.

 

SPC makes replacement OEM upper ball joints. They're right around $30 each. I know they fit the 5Gen Prelude (as I've used them more than once). I'm not sure, but I'd expect they'd fit the 4Gen as well. I'm not referring to adjustable ball joints, these are OEM replacements and look just like OEM ball joints, but they use a circlip at the base.

The stock ball joint is pressed into the upper control arm (on a 5Gen at least), and you can press it out rather easily. The new one presses into the control arm just as easily with a press. There is an indicator on the replacement ball joint so that you align the ball joint correctly when installed.

 

It look so as one part as manual said, but why would the part store sell the part that cannot be replaced is what confused me. and I thought I ask. I don't have the part #. I need to do something about it before the wheel fall off. I could get some used part but it won't be much better than the one I have now so i kind of hold of on that.

"SPC makes replacement OEM upper ball joints. They're right around $30 each. I know they fit the 5Gen Prelude, I'm not sure, but I'd expect they'd fit the 4Gen as well."

I'll check that out. Oh yeah, I rent the tools to press out he balljoint but no luck maybe I didn't do it right.

 

I've never tried those c-clamp type ball joint presses. I've removed the upper control arm from the car, and then put the arm in my 20T shop press. The ball joint pressed out rather easily after that. Then just flipped it over and put the new ball joint in (after correctly aligning it).

Try looking at SPC's catalog (in PDF form) on their web site. I believe they list only the adjustable ball joints on their web site. If you can't find it, let me know, and I'll take a look.

For aftermarket companies there's a market for replacement ball joints since Honda does not sell them. Honda also tells you that the knuckle and lower ball joint cannot be purchased separately, but the ball joint can be purchased separately!

 

Thanks I found it. Too bad I don't have access to one of those shop press. without it the press it is impossible without damage the arm. I'll look around the area if any shop would do it for cheap. Or since you live around DFW area you can do it for a reasonable charge. Thanks again.

 

I could do it. My press is currently out of commission, so perhaps this is what I need so I'll get off my rear and fix it. If not me, I have a friend with another shop press just a few miles from me. Let me know, I don't mind helping you out.

 

117,

You may get this job, can you post some pics please and explain about the alignment of the new ball joint.

 

Duane_in_Japan,

Sorry I have no pic available to post. Alignment, I don't really know much about it. anyway the car been dropped about 1 1/2 to 2" about a year ago. I got tired of the tire wear so I try to fix it.

117,
when I get the parts I'll let you know. I don't know if this part would work #K90490 which I bought it from O'reily and i returned bc of I can't remove the old one.


Thanks guys,

 

I got lucky. My local yard had a good UCA that had recently been worked on before the car was wrecked. Had a camber kit on it and everything. I used the generic tie rod boot from Advance, regreased it, and swapped it out in an hour. The one on my car was much harder to get out