imported_falcon151

Just looking to see what you guys are using to press your ball joints in. The lower fronts are always a pain. If you have a tool that works or a method with the spindal on the car let me know. I use the usual press from CT/Parts Source and it just does not fit well. If you have a DIY even better.

chris_si98

lol i've gotten a few in by being a hack, but i'm not going to say it, it's a stupid way of doing it.

I'd just take the spindle off, and get a shop to press it on, won't be more than like 30-40bucks.

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

yeah I've had a shop press them in as well.

gooseshit

just hammer the old one out and the new one shoud fit right in, don't forget to take the c-clip out first

imported_falcon151

all good options but I am looking for someone to write up a good method while still on the car. I agree with goose**** you can hammer em out real easy but pressing them in is still a b#$&h. What kit do you use to press them?

chris_si98

you need a special honda cup to clear the wheel bearing lip...

imported_rafaln

front lower ball joints i used a sluge hammer did the job for me lol

just try to be carefull not to smash up the housing

i know it sounds stupid bud i did it i got them out and in with ah sluge hammer

newman

Heres your write up, a simple way to do it in your driveway. And to aovoid using a press you need is a BFH and dont hit it all limp wristed.

1. Remove the entire spindle off the car, and if you dont want to do this don't start the job.
2. Remove C-clip off the spindle
3. Smash the hell outta the balljoint until it pops out
4. Set the new balljoint in the spindle and I like taking a small block of wood, sized about 2"wide and 4"long, and place it on the top of the balljoint
5. Hit the wood with the hammer as the balljoint wont be damaged, (as if you were to hit it with the hammer) and the wood makes more area to contact it with
6. Reinstall new c-clip and spindle

imported_falcon151

great thanks newman... this of course is one way of doing it. I see your point about the spindle but it is still a pain to remove. I have done it your way in the past. I find using the press tools can work but they are made for bigger domestic cars. That method does not require the removal of the spindle. But the questions remains what is the best tool for the honda with spindle on the car.

sirhondalot

how often do u need to change your balljoints...km wise/

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

^ that depends on how low you are and how you drive. some lower ball joints last forever, some fail in 100,000 kms or less. I know chrysler cars/trucks, the ball joints are gone in 40-50,000 kms, and on my dad's VW they are still original at 172K kms. original stock Honda Civics last forever (200+ kms), yet Prelude ones fail prematurely. you can't predict it.

falcon 151, I think the answer here is that everyone has removed the spindle to do it... unless maybe you have access to Honda garage tools (dealer specialty tools). dealer specialty honda tools are available from snap on for about $8000 for a mechanic starter kit.

imported_falcon151

I have managed to do it with spindle on but it was a huge pain. I have now resorted to spindle off.

Yes Honda tools would rock but I can buy a car for the price of them

dingus888

spindle off = axle nut tie rod off upper b joint and lower b joint caliper off kind there is abit of work but I mean you will do it once then manybe put a new tie rod end on while your there and new brakes..parts are cheap so you go everythign apart to change it all once