I just bought an OEM honda lower ball joint and it doesn't have a groove for the c-clip that my failed Moog joint has. It appears that most aftermarket ball joints have a groove, and even the OEM diagram shows a c-clip (Item 19):

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...3sm201_b27.png

Here is the joint I have, next to the failed Moog (Just FYI, that Moog failed in less than 300 miles - all that oil was weeping out of it and the boot is not torn):



Do I need that c-clip? It seems like the joint will be locked in once its installed anyway.

 

You mean the snap ring groove ?

 

Yeah the snap ring. My honda ball joint doesn't have a groove for it.

 

When the knuckle is new I don't think the clip is used, however, I install it just incase something goofy happens.

As for the Moog BJ, that sucks. All the ones I had used a heavy grease that did not separate.

 

I cant imagine it not having a groove. It may just look different.

 

The new OEM lower ball joints do not have a groove for the snap ring like the original OEM units that came on your car new did. I'm not sure why honda chose to make the switch and do away with it but I don't think you should be concerned.

I wondered the same thing while overhauling my entire suspension but if honda feels its not needed I'm not going to worry about it. Just make sure to fully seat it against the knuckle when installing it and you should be fine.

 

Yeah I am pretty disappointed in Moog, they've been my go-to aftermarket brand for a while, always had good experience with them until now.

OK, i'm glad I didn't get some odd-ball part and that you had the same experience. Thanks for the tip.

 

I think mine were the same way when I recently did them as well. Double check your part numbers and check out some part diagrams on majestic honda and youll be fine

 

This is great info. I don't even think I ever looked up a lower ball joint. At less than $20 I shoulda just went the oem route the first time. It was even cheaper than the Moog ones.