does the lower ball joint have to be pressed out of the knuckle by a machine shop or can i take it out myself? this is on a 92 civic cx if that matters.

 

you can do it yourself. http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/b18cswap/swap.html

 

If I were you, I would buy the ball joint remover from JC whittney for $16 (looks like the special tool in the helms manual). Looks and works way better then the fork like ball joint remover. I first used the fork like remover and busted the boot on the ball joint, and after hours of fustration and headache, I gave up and bought the remover from JC whittney. Arrived acouple days later, hooked it up and seperated the joint in seconds.

 

you can rent a ball joint press for FREE from Autozone.

Just remember to remove the lock ring before pressing.

Also a 3-5 lb BFH works just as good to get it out.

 

i'm talking about replacing the ball joint. i need to get the top part of it out of the knuckle.

Mista Bone: are you saying i can hit the bottom of the ball joint to get it out of the knuckle?