Lower Ball Joint Replacement

stussycole · Post by **stussycole** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 9:31 pm

So I was installing new half shafts in my 1997 Civic lx auto today, for the first time, and was all but done when I found that I could not reinstall the lower ball joint castle nut. The first 3/8" or so of threads were all messed up. Upon further research I found out I am not the first person this has happened to. It appears the only fix is to undo my work and remove the hub/spindle assembly and install a new one. Now onto my questions...

1. How likely is it that the upper ball joint and tie rod end are going to get messed up also, seeing as how these need to be removed?

2. Does Autozone have a loan-a-tool for this? I see they have multiple presses available, but will they work for this application? Or, is there a good set available anywhere for a decent price? I will be doing the LBJs on my Ody soon.

3. Any tips and/or easier way?

Thanks in advance.

Spork · Post by **Spork** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 9:40 pm

use a pickle fork to remove balljoints, do NOT hit them with a hammer, that is why they are messed up!

and for replacement:
step 1: undo snap ring holding the ball joint in place
Step 2: place on ground and hit the ball joint on the tip with a big fucking hammer
Step 3: insert new balljoint and hit on the back with the same big fucking hammer
Step 4: put on new snap ring.

stussycole · Post by **stussycole** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 10:48 pm

Spork;109106 wrote:use a pickle fork to remove balljoints, do NOT hit them with a hammer, that is why they are messed up!

and for replacement:
step 1: undo snap ring holding the ball joint in place
Step 2: place on ground and hit the ball joint on the tip with a big fucking hammer
Step 3: insert new balljoint and hit on the back with the same big fucking hammer
Step 4: put on new snap ring.

Thanks.

I actually used a joint puller to free it. My impact gun at 120psi wouldn't do it so I started it by hand, then zipped it off with the gun, and then used the puller. The only thing I can think of is the 10 years of road grime on the threads had something to do with it. Well, I will just be real careful with the other 2 nuts that need to be removed.

Spork · Post by **Spork** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 11:29 pm

wtf kind of impact gun? most consumer guns are only rated to 90psi... more than that is dangerous

N2HIFI · Post by **N2HIFI** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 12:05 am

stussycole;109101 wrote:
Thanks in advance.

Matt?

N2HIFI · Post by **N2HIFI** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 12:06 am

Spork;109126 wrote:wtf kind of impact gun? most consumer guns are only rated to 90psi... more than that is dangerous

heheh we must be dangerous cause mine are rated for over 120psi lol

5thgen · Post by **5thgen** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 12:52 am

Spork;109106 wrote:use a pickle fork to remove balljoints,

I wouldn't even use a fork.

For the lower ball joint, use a half inch (roughly) piece of metal (ratchet...wrench...etc.) and fit it in between the lca and the knuckle....then put some pressure on the knuckle downward (kick it) and it'll pop right off.

stussycole · Post by **stussycole** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 4:46 pm

N2HIFI;109134 wrote:Matt?

Yes, you are correct sir!

N2HIFI · Post by **N2HIFI** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 4:58 pm

stussycole;109206 wrote:Yes, you are correct sir!

no way .. man how have you been i haven't heard or talked to you in age's

where you living at now? local?

stussycole · Post by **stussycole** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 5:15 pm

N2HIFI;109209 wrote:no way .. man how have you been i haven't heard or talked to you in age's

where you living at now? local?

I think the last time I saw you was not to long after Showoff on the Rock Road opened. We are currently living near Olive and 270.