I just got my 89 Accord LXi out of the shop a couple weeks ago. Tonight I was teaching my fiancee how to drive stick on it, and I hear this weird grinding noise coming from the rear. I get out and I almost **** when I look at the rear passenger wheel, cuz it was sitting at almost a 45 degree angle with the ground! I jack it up and this is what I see:


It seems like a ball joint type connection, but I don't see what keeps these 2 pieces together...


Here's the inner side of the other part of the arm. There are no bolts or screws that hold these 2 parts in place that I can see.


Do I need a completely new control arm?

 

Ball joint rusted and broke, the ball joint itself is what held it togather. The only reason the ball was able to fit through the hole and pull free is the corrosion. You shouldn't need a new control arm unless you bent it somehow.

Ball joints (most) need to be greased once in a while, usually done when you take it in to have it aligned or anything similar. Probably rusted because of that.

 

So what can I do to get the 2 pieces to stay together? I tried pushing the ball back into the joint, but it will pull back out easily...

 

you need to get a new ball joint pressed in. I dunno which side it goes in (the control arm or the spindle).

 

Yah buy a new ball joint and take it anywhere that press it in and do an alignment. Since you didn't know how a ball joint worked when you posted (not an insult everyones gotta start somewhere), I'd just have it done by a shop if I were you.

 

I might add, ball joints are about the #1 thing I look at when doing an alignment. Depending on the suspension type the upper or lower is always the first thing to wear and need replacement.

 

Put a new arm on it. Check your other ball joints for play.

 

Thanks for the tips!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TurboD16Chiovnidca &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Put a new arm on it. Check your other ball joints for play. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Check the other ball joints and arms, I don't think I would replace the entire arm unless it was bent though.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr.Saturn &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I don't think I would replace the entire arm unless it was bent though.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Have you ever replaced the ball joint only on one of them? If so, where did you get it?

 

I haven't personally done work on this model no, but ball joints from car to car don't differ that much. Any reputable parts store can get you a replacement, installation is another matter.

(EDIT)
On second look one arm has the ball joint as an integral part, by ordering a replacement ball joint however you will get it as one unit with the arm.

Honestly just take it to any shop that can do installation and alignment afterwards, you'll save a lot of time and a job like this isnt too spendy.

 

I've replaced ball joints. Take off your control arm, then run down to the parts store and get a new ball joint, from the parts store, go to a machine shop and have them press it in.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr.Saturn &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

On second look one arm has the ball joint as an integral part,

</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's what I thought. You have to replace the whole thing.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TurboD16Chiovnidca &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
That's what I thought. You have to replace the whole thing.</TD></TR></TABLE>


ok...that's what I thought.