I need to replace mine, I understand what needs to be done except for one thing...assembling the joint itself.

When I open the box, I have all of this:






What tools are needed to put the gold colored rings over the boot without ripping the boot? The service manual lists a specific flared tool from Honda but is there something else I can use.




This is the end result I need to get to (red arrow):



Thanks!



PS: Great thread on replacing the wheel bearing.... https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/how-install-wheel-bearings-lower-ball-joints-pic-intensive-1567042/



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In the past I have bought the upper ball joint with the mounting piece all in one ( comes like that from honda ).



But the part you show seems like you need to press out the old one and press in a new one with something like this

 

what the guy above me said but try and just get the whole arm its way easier and its not to much more money just look online or try your local parts store... g.l man

 

I've used needle nose pliars before, but I'm ghetto as heck sometimes.

 

Thanks for the info but I'm not asking about using the press, I have all that covered. I asked about the gold clip/ ring that goes around the boot.

I already have everything and won't spend more money for new OEM control arms. The new ball joints are $30 each (Napa Part number 260-1517). New control arms are much more expensive.

Someone on this forum has assembled the upper ball joints, I just need info on how they did it.

Thanks to thumper for his response. I don't think I'm steady enough to use the needle nose pliers just yet tho.


bump....

 

I did one about 3 weeks ago and I used 2small flat screwdrivers,took a bit of time and a fair bit of cursing but got it done without boot damage.

 

I can understand that the whole arms are spendy. Don't you have to have the bushings pressed out of the old arms too? Thats even more money. I thought that you had to buy them as a whole unit though. It's nice to see that you can just do the joint itself. How did you get yours out of the control arm?

 

You can rent a ball joint press from Autozone.


Autozone tool rental - part 1

Autozone tool rental - part 2


It looks like this when in use:

 

Bump....

 

Auto zone ball joint tool a life saver.

 

id say hit up autozone

 

For what? The part monkeys know nothing.

I'll rent the tool as I stated above.....

 

so how did this go ?

I need to replace the upper ball joints, and would rather not have to buy everything. Checked the parts supplier and found one that offers just the ball joint.