How do you remove the front suspension lower control arm ball joint – ’98 Accord 4 cyl?

I have the special Honda specific receiver tube to attach to a “C” clamp to remove the ball joint. You use the “C” clamp to push the ball joint into the receiver tube. I am having difficulty pushing the ball joint out.

The new ball joint ordered came with a ring clamp. The replacement ball joint is OEM and from the same manufacturer. The ring clamp has 2 eyelets at the end of the ring that you need to spread open to install/remove it from the steering knuckle. Although the new ball joint came with the ring clamp, I do not see this ring clamp anywhere on the original ball joint. I am confused where the ring clamp is because I do not see it. Should there be a ring clamp on the original that I need look further or do I just need to use more force to push the ball joint out?

 

so you are trying to replace the lower ball joint thats in the knuckle correct?

I honestly can't think if there is a snap ring there or not, but I guess if the new one you have is from the same manufacturer as the one in the car then I would assume it's there and you over looked it. Look at the side of the ball joint you are pushing on, if it's there it will be on that side, not the side you have the receiver tube on.

Also, in case you didn't know, they sell snap ring pliers. It makes it very easy to remove and install those snap rings.

 

from my understnading the old old style had the c-clip. but the new ones u can get form honda for replacment dont have the clip, this i remember clearly from when i changed them out last time.

 

When I did my 99, I don't recall there being any snap ring holding it in. I was able to just beat it out with a BFH and a big socket.

 

I don't know if there is a snap ring on the 89s or not. If you find that your "C" clamp and cup are having a rough go. Try using a torch to heat up the outside of the steering knuckle around the ball joint. Then spray some WD-40/PB Plaster around the seam between the ball joint and knuckle. Then let it sit and soak in for a few minutes. Then heat up the knuckle again and give it a try.

Worked like a charm when I removed both of mine. I never even had to break out the BFH. And beleive you me, the BFH and the BFCB are my favorite tools. But if I don't have to use them I try not too.....they tend to render some things useless after there use...

 

I know I'm going to regret asking this but...

what is a BFCB?

 

No regret's...it's a Big F'n Crowbar.

It should probably be BFC but I think that acronym is already begin used.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GhostAccord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">No regret's...it's a Big F'n Crowbar. </TD></TR></TABLE>

ah, gotcha

 

My 02 didn't have any rings. I took out the knuckle, put it on the ground inverted (where the upper ball joint goes was on the ground), and beat the BJ out with a regular hammer. Then I tapped the new one in. Worked just fine for me.