89 Honda CRX HF
Hey I just got some new wheels yesterday and the company that put them on (Big O Tires) said that I needed some new parts in order for them to do an alignment. It's funny cause they didn't even offer to put the parts on and charge me. I guess they figured I just dropped a load of cash and they would feel bad if they asked me for more. Haha!

So anyways here is what they said I need:

1 LEFT OUTTER TIE ROD

2 BALL JOINT LOWER

Now I want to tackle this myself but I would like to know if replacing these is a difficult process.

Also, should I purchase original Honda Parts or is there aftermarket parts that would work better?

I swapped my B16 motor myself and I have a great mechanical aptitude. I had to swap the hub assemblies from an HF to an SI. Is this job as easy as that?

Thanks in advance!


Modified by crxtreme89h at 3:27 AM 5/20/2005

 

outer tie rods are a snap. just pop them out with a pitman arm puller and count how many times you unthread them and then put the new one in and torqe the castle nut to proper spec.

ball joints are easy if you have the OEM Honda balljoint tool, if not like most people who dont work at honda you need to either remove the cotrol arm and press it out or get a ball joint/ u joint press like this: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog...talog

im sure that there are other ways, but i have can use the OEM tool at work so i dont know any other methods. so good luck its a pretty straight forward job its just gonna be a bitch to press out the ball joint if you dont have the right tool. ohh ya releasing the ball joints and tie rods is easy if you have a heavy hammer. accuratly smack the steering knuckle by the balljoint or tie rod. DO NOT hit the control arm or the tie rod itself.

 

That is super expensive! As for removing the old stuff, I will be using a pickle fork. Thanks for the help.

 

You don't want to use a pickle fork unless you have some spare ball joint bushings. You want to use a Pitman arm.

 

Well, I am replacing the ball joints and outer tie rods so I should be good using a pickle fork right?

Any recommendations on Pitman brand?