There is a lot of different stances on if you can replace the upper ball joint on a 1998 civic, or if you must replace the entire control arm. I have purchased 4 ball joints (upper and lower) for my year of civic from rockauto. Anyone replace their upper ball joint, and was there any issues that i should be aware of?

 

From my understanding you can press out and in new ones. However, more often than not, the steel a-arm gets distorted during the pressing.

The general consensus is, you can do it, but the success rate sucks. And is why Honda doesn't bother, they just sell the whole upper arm with ball joint. The upper bushings is a separate part though.

 

Is there any brand i should stray away from when it comes to aftermarket Uppers, or should i just go OEM? Is there much of a difference? I am on quite the budget but suspension and brakes are things you shouldn't pinch pennies on.

 

Moog makes upper ball joints. Honda does not sell the upper ball joints separately.
They are replaceable, I did it on my upper control arms. It's a very simple job with a ball joint press.

 

I just replaced the front passenger UCA ball joint about 2 months ago on my 98lx. Get the loaner tool from your local advance, O'Reilly, or autozone. Press out the old, press in the new. Voila. Last night I did the Upper AND lower ball joint on my 95 civic.. Using the same tool. So much easier with the tool.. Don't try to hammer it in..

 

I'm with TomCat... It may be cheaper to replace just the ball joints, but as old as these cars are (and rusty), to me it wouldn't even be worth the headache to replace just the balljoints. As much of a perfectionist as I am, I would end up removing the old one, sandblasting it and painting it anyways, so if I'm taking all that time and effort, might as well just replace the whole damn thing.

 

I would've done the same but mine were in good condition. No rust, warpage, bushing still solid. So I didn't see the need to spend more for the entire arm. Plus, I enjoiy wrenching on my car. Gave me something to do on the weekend. If weather permit, that is.

 

i must say moog quality went to hell in a handbasket a few years ago.
flimsy boots that will break if you look at them.
could be the made in china syndrome.
cant say if theyve improved as i wont be back. 8(

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