I'm replacing my Lower control arm ball joints with Deeza balljoints (supposed to be a good brand I heard). The old balljoints were hard to remove and needed a lot of hammering to remove from the LCA. I knew the Deeza balljoints should be a PITA to put in using a hammer and socket -- BUT they were very easy to hammer in, and now I can pretty much move the ball joint body up and down within the LCA. I didn't install the circlip yet, but they seem to be a bit loose and not very snug after hammering into the LCA.

Is this a design spec where they make aftermarket balljoint bodies a tad smaller to help installation? Will this free movement affect longevity or safety?? Should I return the balljoints to RockAuto?

I just want to know this before I put my steering knuckle back onto my '89 Prelude and take it for a cruise.

Thanks!

 

There should be no play.

 

with the snap ring installed they should not move at all....but all the honda lower ball joints i have installed OEM or aftermarket were tight going in too...they should be pretty tight even without the snap ring....i would use different ball joints if i were you..

 

I put the snap ring on (circlip) and they are tight with it on. I'm going to do my other lower ball joint tomorrow and see if it is my control arm that is out of spec or if indeed it is the design of the ball joints being too small to be pressed tight.

 

I would not trust those ball joints. You don't want to rely on JUST the snap ring to keep them
tight.

They are almost always harder to press out because of age (rust, grime etc.), but the new ones
need a press fit to be snug.

Some Hondas from the '90s don't even use snap rings on the ball joints. My '92 does while my '96
doesn't! The press fit is KEY for safety!

 

Also, I like to use Moog stuff. They can cost up to twice as much as the cheapest
brands, but their parts have always fit correctly for me and they are know to be a
quality part maker.

 

You may be able to find an oversized ball joint to save yourself from puchasing a new LCA. I think they come in .010" increments.

 

Thanks guys, I'll get some Moog joints from Advance Auto tomorrow!

 

Moog or not, it sounds like you oblonged the LCA receptacle.

 

oem honda or moog are my only two choices I would put on my car