Is the 02 accord suspension the same as the 02 TL? If so, whats the easiest way to install an upper and lower ball joint on this set-up? The upper, I would assume, comes with the arm? And the lower is pressed into the knuckle, correct? So for the lower, it's easier to just replace the whole knuckle(if I bought a used assembly with the hub and bearing already installed), correct? Will it require alignment? Thanks guys, I cant get any answers in the TL forum.

 

Most (but not all) parts are identical.

Correct.

Correct.

No. A new lower ball joint is $25-30 from Honda. You can replace it by simply removing the knuckle from the car, removing the retainer circlip (if equipped; later models don't even have them), hammering the old ball joint out, and hammering the new one in. Pretty straightforward. If you have an air hammer/chisel, you don't even have to remove the knuckle from the car to get the joint out.

Technically, no. If it was lined up before the ball joints developed play, then it should be fine again after the new joints are installed.

If you haven't had an alignment done in several years and the tires are wearing oddly or the steering is noticeably off, then I'd recommend to go ahead and have it aligned. Just be careful where you take it; pay up to have it done right if need be. There are a lot of bad alignment techs out there who will botch the job.