Well its about that time to take replace balljoints.......and there is alot of talk on Honda-Tech about some new method where you use a ratchet and jack instead of a hammer; I found some links that detail it, but there aren't any pics, and to be quite honest the instructions provided arent that clear. Could someone that knows the method give me some really good instructions, and pictures if they are available also ? thanks alot.

 

why not just be carefull and use the hammer?

 

there was a post with a video demonstration. i'll try to find it real quick...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LSvtec03 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">there was a post with a video demonstration. i'll try to find it real quick...</TD></TR></TABLE>

thanks alot......the ratchet method is apparently alot easier than the hammer method ??

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Eclipse spanker &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">thanks alot......the ratchet method is apparently alot easier than the hammer method ??</TD></TR></TABLE>

I tried the ratchet method....but it's hard to align everything. The ratchet pops out every once in a while too.

The hammer method was A LOT easier for me. A few well placed, hard hits and the rotor assembly lifts right out and up. Did it many times without fail.

 

I tried searching, but can't find that video right now...I think I have it bookmarked at home in case someone else doesn't find it first.

what I'd like to know is how you remove the lower balljoint completely. the Haynes manual says to take the whole assembly off and take to a shop....riiiiiight.

 

Ratchet method is simple: place ratchet between knuckle and lca with car jacked up. Lower the jack and ball joint should come free. This has never worked for me though.

As for removing the actual balljoint, pepboys/autozone rent a kit that has all the things needed to remove and press a balljoint, but its a real pain in the ***.

 

This way is good too:
http://www.g2ic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28472

 

I just remove the knuckle ring, remove the ball joint boot clip and boot, throw a deep socket over the ball joint and smack it with a hammer until it pops out. Lube helps a little.

P.S. I created that how-to post with the pics and vids, but I no longer have access to my school's account, so it's down for the time being.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by IN VTEC &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I just remove the knuckle ring, remove the ball joint boot clip and boot, throw a deep socket over the ball joint and smack it with a hammer until it pops out. Lube helps a little.

P.S. I created that how-to post with the pics and vids, but I no longer have access to my school's account, so it's down for the time being.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I used the rachet method, works everytime. Depending on the car, sometimes the the ball joint comes out of the LCA with hand strength

 

Well I have separated my lower balljoints to pull and/or replace axles nearly a dozen times since this past summer. I can tell you firsthand that the ratchet method (aka the we-todd-did-racing method ) is by far the easiest and safest way I've found so far.

The key is that you use the force of the compressed suspension (use the jack to raise the lower control arm such that it puts tension on the spring) to force the LCA and knuckle apart when the ratchet handle is placed in between the two.

If you're on adjustable coilovers that leaves the spring loose at full droop, you have to raise the perch up until the spring is touching both the upper mount and perch at full droop in order for this method to work. You also need to have the lower shock fork still in place for this to work, as the spring pushes down on the shock and the shock fork, which pushes down on the LCA when you release the jack.

It's also best to use a floor jack, as you can release it quickly, which helps the parts pop apart (the quick downward force from the spring). The scissor jack may work, but probably won't be as effective as you can only lower it slowly (however fast you can crank it down).

I also find that a 1/2" ratchet works best, or anything else that's relatively wide and flat that will not fit between the LCA and knuckle at full droop, but will fit in there when you raise the suspension up with the jack.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by IN VTEC &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I just remove the knuckle ring, remove the ball joint boot clip and boot, throw a deep socket over the ball joint and smack it with a hammer until it pops out. Lube helps a little.

P.S. I created that how-to post with the pics and vids, but I no longer have access to my school's account, so it's down for the time being.</TD></TR></TABLE>
liar.

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=887859

dopeness!

edit: speaking of good "how-to"s, here's another one to bookmark... https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=382416&page=1

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Boges &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">As for removing the actual balljoint, pepboys/autozone rent a kit that has all the things needed to remove and press a balljoint, but its a real pain in the ***.</TD></TR></TABLE>
thanks! I've been having trouble getting that answered!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by burnout289 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
liar.

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=887859

dopeness!

edit: speaking of good "how-to"s, here's another one to bookmark... https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=382416&page=1


thanks! I've been having trouble getting that answered! </TD></TR></TABLE>

Thats exactly what i was looking for dude...thanks a million

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Eclipse spanker &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thats exactly what i was looking for dude...thanks a million </TD></TR></TABLE>
no prob. all i ask is that you send over the two chicks from your avatar.

 

Snapon dead blow hammer.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by burnout289 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
no prob. all i ask is that you send over the two chicks from your avatar. </TD></TR></TABLE>

The one on the right is taken but I'll put in a good word for you with the one on the left !

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PatrickGSR94 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I can tell you firsthand that the ratchet method (aka the we-todd-did-racing method ) is by far the easiest and safest way I've found so far.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Couldn't agree with you more on that

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PatrickGSR94 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
If you're on adjustable coilovers that leaves the spring loose at full droop, you have to raise the perch up until the spring is touching both the upper mount and perch at full droop in order for this method to work..</TD></TR></TABLE>
I think that is why this on not working for some people here, or confusing them.