he said it was all one piece and that he would have to replace the entire knuckle and he couldn't just replace the ball joint.

is he retarded or is this true because Ive already ordered the lower ball joint.

 

I've replaced just the lower ball joints on my 95 prelude....

 

On the 5 g it's all one unit.

 

i know that 4th gen you can just remove the ball joint seperate

 

Since there was a recall on the 1996-1998 Preludes and Accords for the front lower balljoints, there is a replacement front lower balljoint kit available (it's really cheap too less then $40). The kit comes with TWO lower balljoints, TWO axle nuts, and 4 cotter pins. The funny thing is, it doesn't come with the castle nuts for the ball joints.
So here is the part# for the castle nuts
http://www.hondapartsnow.com/genuine...7-SL5-000.html $1.14
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04510-SL5-000 BALL JOINT KIT $39.69
http://www.hondapartsnow.com/genuine...0-SL5-000.html

 

I guess they don't have a press at that shop?

 

Its a 99. Does the guy know what he is talking about or should I go to a different shop

 

he doesn't know what he's talking about. Take it to a shop or you can swap it out yourself

 

Preludes are the only Honda exempt from this, normally you have to buy the knuckle or lower control arm depending on the suspension but because of the recalls you can buy just the ball joints.

It's really easy to do, you can rent the tools needed at advance auto.

 

i replaced just the ball joints on my 89 crx, replaced them again when i upgraded to the integra spendles too. very easy repair

 

Ok I have the lower ball joint. Are there any other parts I need?
Is there a diy write up anywhere for the 5gen ?

 

Here's a complete DIY front suspension for a 4th gen. Yours should be very similar if not the same...

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-prelude-4/diy-4g-prelude-front-suspension-rebuild-ball-joints-bearings-bushings-etc-3001671/

You just press in the new BJ and install the C-clip: