I've heard from numerous people that replacing tie rods is a pretty simple task... Last year i had my driver side ball joint break and replaced it, instead of just the whole tie rod, not the best decision because I need to replace it again. It was kind of a pain in the a$$. Would it be simpler to change the tie rod? I found an old how-to on here (pictures had expired) and it seemed pretty straight forward. Input?

 

The only thing TO fail on a tie rod would be the ball joint. So just pick up a pair of brand new OEM Honda outer tie rods and slap 'em on there, then get the car aligned.

I replaced mine over 5 years ago just for good measure (original ones were over 10 years old), and haven't had any problems.

 

i just did mine the other day, along with lowering the whole car

 

It appears that the consensus is that replacing the tie rod is much easier than replacing the ball joint itself... Thanks guys

 

I wasn't aware that the ball joint by itself could be replaced. Normally you just replace the whole outer tie rod, #13 or #16 in this diagram:

 

You can press the Ball joint out of the old tie rod and replace it as far as I know...but it is easier and faster to just replace the whole thing.

 

as you can see from the above factory honda diagram, the ball joint on the outer tie rod end is not serviceable. the boot is replaceable but not the joint itself. if you have found an aftermarket ball joint replacement, please share.

OP, sounds like you might have your terms mixed up. are you referring to part #13/16 in the diagram or something else?

 

I did replace just the ball joint itself... Found the part at autozone for about $11. Looking back it seems that I went about it all wrong though and replacing the entire tie rod is the way to go. haha. It did take me a while how ever to remove the ball joint from the steering knuckle (i think thats what its called.) took a BFH and some muscle but it finally came. Seems to be the consensus is to replace the whole tie rod though.

 

still sounds to me that you are refering to the lower ball joint (connects the knuckle to the front lca). if you are positive its the tie rod can you please link to the ball joint that you replaced? I really dont think its a serviceable piece, but if it is it would be nice to know.

 

Yes I'm sorry if I caused any confusion, it was the lower ball joint that i replaced... But is it not the tie rod end that hold the ball joint in place? Because it seems much easier to replace the entire tie rod end than to just replace the lower ball joint itself

 

I think you're confused. There are 3 ball joint-type connections on each side of the front suspension:

1. Upper control arm to knuckle (sometimes called spindle or upright)
2. Lower control arm to knuckle
3. Outer tie rods (on each end of the steering rack) to knuckle

1 and 2 determine the location and geometry of the knuckle inside the fenderwell. 3 determines the angle of rotation of the knuckle about the other 2 ball joints (when you turn the steering wheel, the outer tie rods w/ ball joint rotate the knuckle in or out to turn the front wheels).

The outer tie rod with ball joint does not have a separately serviceable ball joint (replace whole outer tie rod for about $35/side for OEM). The knuckle does have a serviceable lower ball joint. Honda does not sell the upper ball joint in the upper arm separately, but you can find it separately elsewhere.

 

beautifully said sir

also, OP, im not surprised that your $11 lower ball joint failed thats way too cheap for that piece. use OEM or Moog parts when it comes to the suspension.

 

OK, thanks for clearing up all the mess guys. haha, and yea i thought it was a little cheap but the autozone next to my house is a little to convienient some times.

 

I was putting my winter tires on the other night and I noticed that i could pivot the tie rods by hand, the ball joints were in good shape no leaking no cracks but should i be able twist it? pulling it towards me,there is no play, left to right no play. but twisting it it goes with my own strength, im going to assume its because theyre supposed to do that but with my own strength?