This summer I plan to replace the original struts and CV joint boots on my Civic that has 180,000 easy miles. This is a one owner car that has been well maintained. I am only interested in maintaining stock ride and in increasing the usable life of the Civic; I am not interested in a "performance" suspension.
1) Is there any difference between Japanese made ball joints and the ball joints for this car sold under the Moog/TRW brand
2) Why is it impossible to purchase an upper ball joint for this car; the complete A arm with the ball joint can be purchased but not the ball joint alone
3) Since I can detect no unusual noise from, i.e. the front wheel bearings, inner and outer CJ joints are quiet, can I simply clean them thoroughly and regrease with the appropriate lubricant. i.e. is there are logical reason to replace the bearings or joints?
4) Since I must completely disassemble the front suspension. should I take the opportunity to replace all the rubber bushings (upper and lower A arms, radius rods stabilizer end bushing and sway bars)?
5) Ditto on the upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends?
5) The shop manual recommends a "high quality molydenum grease" to repack the CV joints. Can that grease also be used for the wheel bearings?
Dennis Waller

 

Wrong forum, my friend. Head over to the EF forum.