How do you change the lower ball joint on a Honda Accord?

by Nathaniel Miller. Changing the lower ball joint on a Honda Accord requires using a special press tool and a large machinist vise. The lower ball joints are the only units that can be replaced separately on the Accord. If you find that your Honda also needs upper ball joints, you must replace the entire upper control arm assembly.

How to replace a lower control arm ball joint?

Replacing a Lower Control Arm Ball Joint. Learn how to replace a lower ball joint by pressing it out of the control arm and pressing the new one back in. To watch the longer, in depth version, click the link below. Press out a Ball Joint (In-depth):

How do you know if ball joints need to be replaced?

Inspect the ball joints to make sure they need to be replaced. Figure out if your vehicle’s got a strut-style suspension or a control arm, then check the ball joint by either jacking up the control arm near the ball joint to check for wheel play, or by jacking up the car and using a pry-bar to check for wheel play in a strut-style suspension.

How do you replace a ball joint on a front wheel drive car?

Generally a job to replace ball joints will involve the following, but not exclusive to these steps: Taking off your vehicle’s wheels. Moving the brake calipers, and rotor. Some vehicles will need the sway bar links removed. Front wheel drive cars – in most cases, separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle via a ball joint fork.

How much does it cost to replace a lower ball joint?

Get the ball joint replaced right away if it ends up being the culprit. The cost to replace the lower ball joint is anywhere from $220 to $290. The cost of the parts will only be around $90 to $120, while the labor costs will be from $130 to $170. There will be added fees and taxes applied to these prices as well.

What’s the best way to remove a ball joint?

For the uppers, you can buy a control arm with a new joint in it, which adds additional cost. For the lowers, you will need specialized tools to press them out. Some suggest using hammers to drive the ball joint out, whereas others use jacks.

How do you jack up a Honda Accord?

(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your Accord – Honda-Tech.com) Although you can replace the lower ball joint without removing the brakes and rotor, you may want to remove them anyway. Use the needle nose pliers to take the cotter pin out of the axle nut, then loosen the CV axle nut. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.

How do you check for lower ball joint replacement?

To check for ball joint play, lift the vehicle on jack stands and wiggle the wheels up and down. Pay attention to where the lower ball joint meets the lower control arm. If there is slight play, the ball joint is worn and should be replaced.

Can a ball joint be taken off a car?

Then the ball joints themselves can be taken off and replaced with new ones. This isn’t the kind of part that can easily be repaired or mended. Because it is so small and inexpensive, a replacement is always recommended. Once the new joints are in place, the arms and wheels will be placed back on the vehicle.

How do you remove a ball joint on a Honda Foreman?

To get the top Aarm off the knuckle, use vice grips to hold the ball joint between the knuckle and the a-arm (just grab it through the rubber boot), take the 17MM castle nut off. Now hold the a arm out with one hand, and let the knuckle hang. Hit the knuckle with a hammer on the outer edges around where the ball joint shaft goes through.

When to replace the lower control arm ball joint?

Pay attention to where the lower ball joint meets the lower control arm. If there is slight play, the ball joint is worn and should be replaced. This is a safety issue. Replacing the ball joint requires complete removal of the front steering knuckle.

How do you change the lower ball joint on a Honda Accord?