Just got my two new lower balljoints in from Majestic. I'm somewhat mechanically inclined (particularly with the Hondas), but am having a tough time trying to decide if I want to attempt the replacement on my own or just drop them off at my local mechanic. Is there anyone familiar with this procedure that could maybe give me an opinion? I'm really trying to avoid pulling off the knuckle completely since I lack the correct ball joint separating tool and would hate to damage either the upper or the tie rod end. Do these hammer out with a "BFH?"

 

unless you have the correct size ball joint remover/ installer you should take it to someone else. a honda dealer may be a little more expensive but they have the tool specifally made to do it.

 

ya, take the knuckle off at home, and take it to a shop to get the ball joints press out/in. its going to save you some money.

stay away from those cheap "fork" type ball joint tools.......if you look around in some auto parts stores you could find these "C-clamp" looking things that is used to press out ball joints without cutting up the boots. ......I learn the hard way . You can find them pretty cheap....i found them for 20 bucks, but i have seen them go for as much as 100 bucks.

well, if all this seems like too much trouble, just take the car to a shop, but its going to cost ya!

 

yeah, I used the bfh for the lower ball joint. Took less than 10 minutes once I had the knuckle off. You can use the el'cheapo pickle fork and really BFH. Just get some spare ball joint boots. I think they're around 1.50.

 

The pickle fork is the reason I'm putting in new balljoints.

Never again.

 

so did the fork messed up your boot only, or you messed up the grease cup also?

i used the fork, and ofcourse i killed my boot, but the grease cup was fine, so all i did was to re-grease it and replace the boot,