Ok, I've tried searching on this one, and haven't really figured out what I want to know...
I have a 1989 CRX hf w/ b16a swap

Today I replaced my driver-side axle for the first time, and discovered that the lower ball joint bushing was destroyed, possibly leading to the cracking of my axle. I can move the bolt extremely easily by hand (once the castle nut is off). how do I get the balljoint out, and how do I re-install? do I have to remove the knuckle, or what? seems like if I can hammer up from the bottom of it I may be able to pop it out? the rubber is all destroyed...

last thing... could someone post a pic telling me the terminology regarding the ball joint? I'm still a little confused about the boot/bushing, etc.

Thanks
Matt

 

It normally has to be pressed out using a special c-clamp looking tool with the appropriate adapters, and then pressed back in using other adapters. I think you can do it on the car if you can get it high enough off the ground and have the correct tools. Off the car, you can use a big vise with the same adapters for removal and installation. At least that is what the Helms and Haynes manuals say/show. Good luck, I will be doing mine within the next month or so.

 

try using a puller for the ball joint

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by d16vtecx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">try using a puller for the ball joint</TD></TR></TABLE>

What exactly is a puller?


ANOTHER QUESTION:
from the lower control arm, there is a straight metal bar that leads toward the bumper/frame. I noticed that there was about 1cm of space between the LCA and this bar, since the bolt was not all the way snugged up. I tried tightening it but it was very hard to move. What is this, and should I keep trying to tighten it all the way?

 

bump for more info

 

that is your radius rod, and it controlls forward/aft movement of the front suspension assembly (well, it keeps it from happening)- so yeah, it is important.

there should be no gap between the rod and the lca. perhaps you have the wrong bolts in it, or maybe it is just a bit rusty. i'd pull the bolts out, chase it with a tap and run a die over the bolt, and see if things get better. comparing it to the other side is a good idea too.

either way, don't ignore it.

 

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

What exactly is a puller?</TD></TR></TABLE>

http://www.reesetiresupply.com...=4650

puller might work if you can find a socket to put over the ball joint threads. use the puller as a pusher.

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


ANOTHER QUESTION:
from the lower control arm, there is a straight metal bar that leads toward the bumper/frame. I noticed that there was about 1cm of space between the LCA and this bar, since the bolt was not all the way snugged up. I tried tightening it but it was very hard to move. What is this, and should I keep trying to tighten it all the way?</TD></TR></TABLE>

the long bar is called the radius rod. I'd pull the bolt out and check the threads before i continued. on my car the knuckle has to be removed and the axle must be lifted up to pull that bolt out.