Just picked up a new beater, and am in the process of changing out the ball joints. Uppers are done, but i can't get the lowers out of the knuckle. Do you have to press out the wheel bearing to gain enough clearance for the ball joint housing to be removed? Because right now the joint is catching on what appears to be a cover or outer race for the bearing. I've aready removed the knuckles from the car, but i dont have a press.

Thanks

 

Yea, the bearing needs to be pushed out a little for the ball joint to clear.

 

Any way to push it out without using a press that won't damage the bearing? I know heat is not an option. Do have to remove the splined axle center section to press the bearing out, or can i just press the whole assembly? 10-13 ton press enough, or do i need a 20 ton?

Thanks

 

I use an old bearing driver and a hammer to knock them out. Only need to move it far enough to let the ball joint pass.

 

Get the axle out of the way and then use an air hammer to drive the lower ball joint out. I've NEVER had to move the bearing.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BDBGoalie1982 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Just picked up a new beater, and am in the process of changing out the ball joints. Uppers are done, but i can't get the lowers out of the knuckle. Do you have to press out the wheel bearing to gain enough clearance for the ball joint housing to be removed? Because right now the joint is catching on what appears to be a cover or outer race for the bearing. I've aready removed the knuckles from the car, but i dont have a press.

Thanks</TD></TR></TABLE>

some cars have a snap ring holding the lower ball joint on,, also you DO NOT have to do anything with the bearing ,, once axle is out of the way, there is a metal ring you need to pop out, just get a scrrewdriver and pry it out, to put it back just hammer it in,,, But again make sure that there is no snap ring holding the ball joint in.. if no snap ring, or once you remove it, get an air hammer and it will pop right out,, to put ball joing back in just hammer it in,,

 

I took an air hammer to it, its stops very soundly on the ring surrounding the wheel bearing. Also, ive tried to no avail to remove the ring/cover for the wheel bearing, any tips, i cant find anything to pry on.

 

Wheel bearing removal is required

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BDBGoalie1982 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Wheel bearing removal is required</TD></TR></TABLE>
You believe me now?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BDBGoalie1982 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Wheel bearing removal is required</TD></TR></TABLE>

NO IT IS NOT......there is a metal ring that pops out,,pry it out with a screwdriver ,, DO NOT remove the wheel bearing...**** i have done a **** load of ball joint ,, trust me you DO NOT have to remove the wheel beraring...that ring might be rusted in there ,,but it will pop out ...

NO NEED to remove wheel bearing , i don't care what anyone else says .(.it will be a waste of time and effort )...

 

the bearing is no where near being in the way of the balljoint, on my 94 accord anyway. but i am almost positive that the 90-93 accord have the same exact knuckle as mine. so no, you dont need to touch the bearing to get ther balljoint out.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda-Master &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">NO IT IS NOT......there is a metal ring that pops out,,pry it out with a screwdriver </TD></TR></TABLE>
The "90" and newer accords dont have the ring the older ones did.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda-Master &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> DO NOT remove the wheel bearing...**** i have done a **** load of ball joint ,, trust me you DO NOT have to remove the wheel beraring..</TD></TR></TABLE>
Go change a shitload more. Eventually you'll run into one that wont go past the wheel bearing without pushing it out a little. I've seen a few of em.

 

I belived you the whole way, more of an informing statement for the others. The wheel bearing assembly does not have a cover in this specific design. Wheel bearing replacement is required to change lower ball joints, unless you know a way to press out the wheel bearings without haveing to replace them. Ill post up some pics if i get a chance