I had taken apart my 96 accord lx driver side to replace the lower ball joint and have ran into a few problems. Main one is I found that the cv boot was ripped and needs replacing.

Can/should a boot replacement be done without removing the entire assembly, and just keep it on the car?
Of so whats a good replacement boot to buy, and any methods to install?

Then the lower ball joint, I need to go buy a pair of snap ring pliers apparently to remove the ring at the base before I can use the ball joint press.
I removed the bolts that hold the rotor onto the arm but Im not sure its necessary. I saw some vids where the bolts were removed and a rummer mallet was used to pound the arm free.

Does the rotor need to be removed to use the press to get the ball joint out?
If so how, ive been hitting it with a rubber mallet at the gear center hub and its not falling out. I stopped before I did some damage.

 

Ericthecarguy has a video for this same matter..same car

 

https://youtu.be/zd5IcN3yjsg see eric the car guy video on honda ball joints i use an air impact hammer like the video but a hammer will work. Soak it good with pbblaster for a day or so. No need to take the hub, bearing and rotor off. You need a vise to hold it.

Replace that axle the boot looks to have been ripped for a while.

 

Thanks guys, any axle replacement brands you like? Or ones to avoid? Saw this one

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...167410&jsn=358

 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-accord-1990-2002-2/aftermarket-cv-axle-quality-vibration-3227179/
Its a good article on this website...a good informative read..

 

Thanks for the link, that article was great!

 

Wheel hub/rotor assembly needs to be removed to get the BJ out and a new one in.
A 5lbs single jack(mini-sledge) is going to be your friend on this endeavor.
Give the back of the rotor/hub/bearing assembly with a good whack to pop it free.
With that out of the way, make sure the circlip on the BJ is removed, line the stud up so it's centered in the BJ, and whack it hard and true to pop it out. There is the removal tool, but the grime/corrosion needs a bit more persuasion, and the single jack is usually faster.
You will need to use the Honda style BJ installation adapter tool for the new BJ. WATCH THE BOOT. Pretty easy to pinch the new boot and have it dump all the grease out once you lower the car back to terra firma.
I've used Cardone Select(new) axles on various makes, never had a problem with them. Only time I would bother with a reboot is if the axle was improbable to get.

 

I used to love replacing lower ball joints, flat rate labor for both sides were a amazing, done in less than an hour. On top of that replacing CV boots as well. That pretty much made my day. Loved being able to use my 3lbs sledge, always considered the pounding as payback time.

But yeah Eric's video looks legit to me. I personally do it all on the car. Way faster and no vise needed. Same goes for the CV boot, you can do it on the car too. Now keep in mind, this is on a car hoist, no jack stands here.

But yeah, I'd say this is one of the harder repairs for the weekend warrior. But it can be done on jack stands provided you have an Air Hammer.