Lower Ball Joint Replacement on '98 Accord

[The Critic]

Earlier tonight, I helped a co-worker replaced the outer tie-rods and the lower ball joints on his '98 Accord w/220k.

We borrowed the ball joint press from AutoZone, but the tool would not "clear" the dust shield on the knuckle, so we were unable to use it. We had to manually hammer the ball joint out, and trust me, that wasn't fun.

So, does anyone know where I can rent a ball joint press that will work on this car? Or is there an easier way to removing and installing the lower ball joints? I got the RF side done tonight, and I'm going to tackle the other side tomorrow. I would rather not have to resort to using the hammer again.

Thanks!

 

[mechtech2]

No matter what press method you use: Clean the area where the ball joint seats. Use rotary tools to really get it clean.
Then heat it up with a torch to expand it. The ball joint should be stored in the freezer for a few hours prior to assembly. And lube both parts.

Can you use a large socket to install it? Hit against it or pry against it?

 

[The_Jeff]

Without seeing your car will a two or three jaw puller work? I did a s10 lower ball joint with a two-jaw and the technique that worked for me was to crank the puller down half a turn then whack the tar out of the LCA. As I retorqued the jaw puller I could tell I bought a wee bit of looseness.

This was a wear-your-goggles event as one of the (chinese) jaw hooks sheared right off and went flying under the stress.

 

[Market525]

Critic,
I've never done lower ball joints on this vintage Accord, but I will offer an observation -- these cars are very prone to front sway bar bushing & links issues. When they are worn, driving the car you feel a very distinct clunk under your foot. Some shops diagnois this as ball joints, when in fact it is not.

Many times just the bushings themselves have hardened, causing the clunk. They are inexpensive and easy to replace.

Good luck, and let us know how you got the ball joints out.

Steve