I have a couple of questions regarding a 96 accord f22b1. First off, what tools do I need to remove and replace passenger side lower ball joint. Also, does it require a torque wrench. Secondly, I have a mysterious coolant leak. I checked the hoses going to the engine and radiator. They are dry. I just filled the resivoir to the max level a few days ago and it's low again. When warm, there is spots on the driveway. When cold, no spotting. Thirdly, I hear some hesitation between 40-45 mph. Thanks.

 

You need a puller to do the ball joints. Yes, parts of the process require a torque wrench if your doing the job without air tools. Pressure test your cooling system would be the easiest way to find your leak. And your hesitation could be anything under the sun dude

 

I have a similar tool like this one but same strategy. Best tool to break any ball joint on the car loose with no rip or tear to the boot:



F*ck the pickle fork:

 

You will also need basic knowledge (not trying to state the obvious). DIY suspension work could be dangerous if you are unsure of what you are doing. Dont be afraid to ask if you need to

 

HA! I have the same tool it's made by OTC.

The pickle fork can be used if you are replacing the ball joint, but if not being replaced the do not use the fork.

To the OP the pickle fork will rip your ball joint boot and over time with a torn boot dirt will get in the ball joint and render it useless.

If you do not have those tools available, you can use a hammer to to separate the joints.

You simply loosen the nut on the joints and then use your hammer and whack it hard, as if you were a woman beater, lulz.

 

There is a write-up in here somewhere. The best way is to jack up the rotor with the car off the ground and insert a 1/2 inch ratchet in between the lower control arm and the knuckle and drop the jack quickly and it will pop the ball joint right off. Best of luck!

 

Here is a link to the write-up as listed above....

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-accord-1990-2002-2/easy-painless-way-seperate-lower-ball-joint-write-up-w-pics-2714932/

 

Thanks for the info. As for the coolant problem, the upper heater hose under the dizzy ruptured while driving. I had replaced this hose and now the temp gauge is going straight up. I double checked all my clamps and don't see any coolant leaking from either end. Also my idle is fluctuating between 750-1000. I hooked up a reader and got no codes. Just the ev icon flash. Is that something or just nothing?

 

Trapped air? Did you bleed it out when re-filling?