Acura TL Broken Ball Joint

This 2005 Acura TL broke a lower ball joint and mangled itself. Let's put it back together.
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[@boe4448]

After wrenching 30+ years I wish I had a dollar every time those words escaped my mouth. " I wish the guy who designed this was standing in front of me". Don't miss it for sure. You do good work Wes.

[@FaithSaraG]

Watching Wes struggle in a shop with a lift makes me feel better about my struggles on the floor in my garage. It's not always easy even for a pro.

[@donsurlylyte]

he has the right personality to do it. is ok if you cuss at it, but have to have patience and persistence.

[@bdavis12758]

Hahaha agreed! I would love to have a lift but where’s the fun in that? I love the feeling of a vehicle might fall on me bc of crappy jack stands(says sarcastically)

[@LesReeves]

@@bdavis12758 After having a lift it is soul sucking doing work on the ground ( retired spanner spinner.)

[@detornodoes]

Garage?.... Your really living it up. I have gravel and 35 degrees.... LOL

[@bdavis12758]

@@detornodoes upstate New York and center Kansas, I know your pain!

[@dozerman53111]

Ive always said that if engineers and mechanics ever met, there would be mass murder !!!! Keep up the good fight Wes. Merry Christmas to you and family.

[@4knanapapa]

Worked at Chevy dealers for years, GM would send out advisors now and again, once when totally at wits end working, on paticularly misengineered GM crap, I voiced my displeasure to the rep, this was his reply" the designers design the car, then it's sent to engineering, making it mechanically feasible, then it's sent to money people, they in turn remove features making the car repairable as to costly", so this is why cars are hard to work on, not due to engineering, but bottom line.

[@Whistling2Stroke]

Gardening of the galaxy. Love and miss

[@bearrus2416]

@@4knanapapa Наивно думать, что компании вроде GM будут думать о вашем благосостоянии, даже если планета превратится в свалку трехлетних выкинутых автомобилей. GM в первую очередь думает о своём благосостоянии, деньги их бог.

[@davidmiller9485]

@@bearrus2416 That applies to more than just GM. Every company works that way. It's one of the disadvantages of Capitalism, Particularly late stage Capitalism.

[@tadpole9179]

@@bearrus2416 Translated: It's naive to think that companies like GM will care about your well-being even if the planet turns into a dumping ground for three-year-old discarded cars. GM first of all thinks about their well-being, money is their god.

[@ubertalldude]

I swear Hondas get abused and neglected more than most cars because they take it without failing until something goes REALLY bad. Nice work Wes

[@mzb8134]

Even when they fail it's usually not too bad. My gf had this happen to her Acura (similar model). It happened on asphalt close to home, so she drove it about 1km back to the drive. Some how the only damage was the ball joint and the CV axle which came apart.

[@mph5896]

@@mzb8134 How does that even happen? The car must have been making noises FOREVER before it happened.

[@rkan2]

@@mph5896 if the balljoint is loaded by the spring you might not get any noises if it fails fast enough.

[@jamesofallthings3684]

@@rkan2 Ball joints don't just fail randomly, under normal use at least. The kid in this video we told he needed this done a year ago. He chose to abuse the car and now it's costing him twice as much or more.

[@rkan2]

@@jamesofallthings3684 Absolutely, but like Wes explained when comparing yo the F150 - some can fail more catastrophically than others. Some setups have the balljoint loaded by the spring like this Acura. Others have the weight of the vehicle/strut on the balljoint.

[@KeepingitAnalog]

"Come on" has to be the most used phrase in the world. It's been a very hard year bud. Watching your channel makes me feel like I am not alone.

[@jasonb6570]

"If I could find the guy who designed this thing I would punch him right in the face" Is a phrase that has been uttered in my shop more times than I can count.

[@handyhippie6548]

this is a perfect example of why it's cheaper and easier to repair things when they go bad, rather than waiting until they completely fail.

[@mikenaples4046]

Wes, you seriously made my day. I fought that same CV axle on that same model car with equally frustrating results. I’m not a professional mechanic, but I do a ton of repairs. I started thinking something was wrong with me. For something so simple it sure put up a fight.

[@beckylumaluma4666]

👆>

[@7700jessie]

I had a similar struggle with a c/v axle,....... I used a large pickle fork and it worked for me. I had spent 3 1/2 hours struggleing with it and my son actually pulled it out of my toolbox and had asked me if I tried it. I told him that if it worked I would get him some icecream,.......... needless to say we were ALL happy in the end,..... I got the job done and he got his icecream.

[@publicclammer]

I'm an old mechanic and sometimes get the urge to pick up an older car just as a project and to have something interesting to do! Then I watch your excellent videos and think again!! That was a really nasty job, Wes! Well done and Merry Christmas!

[@Baystateboy125]

You gave the best example why Acura is so expensive to repair. Just like Volvo.

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

Nice job Wes! Those power steering pumps have a suction side o-ring at the pump that fails and will cause cavitation of the fluid because the pump is higher than the reservoir and make that noise too. Thanks!

[@kc360awareness]

just replaced one today, super common

[@recycler.]

Thanks for these times when you show us poor engineering, at least from a mechanic's perspective. 👍🏼 Makes buying decisions that much easier on used rigs. Thanks Wes.

[@mikejerrett7354]

Your right Wes, I don't think an engineer ever tried to fix some of there designs. Great repair man.

[@brianworley7705]

Depends on the company. Some send their engineers out on the production floor or repair areas as part of training, others do not. Regardless, in my history as an engineer (non-automotive), an issue is brought by said engineer to manager or design team and a compromise or decision made based on cost, likelihood of needing replaced and many other factors. I have had to design things in a manner I wasn't the most pleased with out of necessity or higher authority direction in spite of giving reasons not to go that way. Not saying some engineers don't think of repair needs or don't have mechanical experience or may not have seen where the engine was going to be shoehorned into the bay.

[@woodhonky3890]

@@brianworley7705 Dam bean counters.

[@mdouglaswray]

Some of those 'engineering miracles' use some wicked tricky assembly procedures. Engineers are twisty little units, best kept in cages.

[@rotorhead5000]

I'm actually surprised the slide hammer with the vice grips didn't do it, that's always been my go to move if the joint was already apart. The strut fork being too small to fit the inner joint through however, has been a constant point of rage for me since my first honda like 20 years ago. I like the way the suspension system handles, but damn are they stupid to fix sometimes.

[@clintprice2123]

One of my favorite newer tools is the vice grip slide hammer combo. I too was surprised it didn’t get it done.

[@rotorhead5000]

I didn't realize what the vice grip adapter in my slide hammer set was way back in the day when I first got it. It was life changing here in the rust belt once I figured it out

[@elmerfudpucker3204]

I thought he was on the right track when he grabbed two pry bars, I was surprised when that didn't do it. I like the vicegrip slide hammer too.

[@The_Redkween]

Those damn Honda half-shafts. Thanks for showing us the struggle, Wes. We think the YT guys always have it easy, but the cars fight you the same as the common man.

[@jamesbruno5896]

The struggle is real! Nice job Wes & Merry Christmas to you & the Family!

[@TgWags69]

I remember my dad bought a Ford Taurus DIESEL! Kind of a unicorn....but it needed a timing belt. We bought a Chilton manual and read the instructions....I kid you not....the very first line was "first remove engine "....That is what came to mind watching this 😂

[@stevejohnson5837]

I feel your pain on this one Wes. I did a 2001 Accord with a failed ball joint, same side, same damage and same battle with the CV joint stuck to the half shaft. I have never before or since had such a struggle getting one of those to release. I finally got it with a slide hammer, but not without much cursing and fighting. You’re right, what a dumb design to put the full load of the vehicle in tension on the ball joint and make you separate the wish bone to replace the axle shaft. Ugh. I also replaced the brake hose, as I didn’t know how far it got stretched. Glad you won that fight!

[@rustyul]

These cars are my specialty. I own five TLs. Replaced axles in at least 2 of them. Disclaimer...I live in Alabama so rust isn't usually and issue. I usually just take a tapered wedge (cold chisel) and wedge it between the case and the back of the CV axle boss (the big round thing) and tap it with a 2lb mason's hammer and it pops out. I have struggled a bit more but not anything like what you have experienced. I'll bet it was damaged from the crash making it impossible to remove. Great job keeping at it! You are a FINE mechanic!

[@virtuestreams2616]

One of my sons owns a 2010 TL-note to self created concerning these maintenance items. Wes, have you considered performing on open mic night at a local comedy club? I think you are hilarious and could probably create a lively routine from the eyes of the master mechanic via your life’s happenings 🤣😂🤣👏🏻👏🏻❤️🔧

[@Tnenamrep2]

Coming soon to Craigslist: 2005 Acura TL. Excellent condition. Low mileage. Fastidiously maintained. Gently driven by Grandma to church on Sundays....

[@robertcrossley9803]

skill versus patience, i admire your grasp of both. Thanks for taking the time to produce your you tube content . You and the family have a happy Christmas.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

thank you for not being rude and dismissive of Hondas

[@krissmith850]

If you’re curious as to the performance gain from that style over the McPherson strut style, it has to do with camber change during body roll (cornering) the dual control arm style keeps the tire flatter to the road. I really enjoy the content, keep it up!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Love the classical music at the beginning @Watch Wes Work

[@KrazyGoodMods]

Back in college, a friend of mine had this happen to him with his mid 90's Accord. Happened while he was going through an intersection. So while it was inconvenient for a lot of people, no one was injured, fortunately.

[@kentmckean6795]

Don't you love it when a seemingly "normal" component of a job, rears it's ugly head and takes over completely? That inner CV joint cup defied all logic and ability, yet, Wes overcame and persevered! Job well done.

[@johnfalco9528]

Wes thanks for another great video and showing us that Murphy will rear his ugly head to all, no one is immune from his reach. On a separate note I believe that the colder weather plays a hand in how smooth a job goes, for some reason warmer temps always make a job go smoother. Merry Christmas to you and your family and hope all goes smoothly next year!

[@claudethomas8084]

Neil Koch: Dig-Drive-DIY said thanks for the camera and shop towels. I like your channel and the work you do. Keep up the great work. 😁

[@AyFrame]

Hi Wes, can I just say a big thank you for all the great content you have provided this year, it’s been great to watch. All the best to you and your family over the Christmas season and into the new year.

[@jaybrown7177]

Neil Koch says "Hey" and thanks for the camera for his channel. Great job. Thanks for sharing.

[@unclegreybeard3969]

WES, the guy that can sigh in 40 languages. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you and yours.

[@davidvalles6677]

I heard Honda's were a bear to work on, but damn. In high school I learned to replace CV joints because they had been making front wheel drives long enough for them to start failing and boy did I get the side work afterwards because no one knew how to do it. Keep up the good work.

[@NinjaNeglector]

Yanno there’s just something very satisfying about watching an awesome mechanic work his magic

[@devisionhun]

As asked: great job putting the filter back on! 😂 I would have done the same thing. Your costs on this repair far exceed the value of the vehicle 😅

[@666cemetaryslut]

Or you could, you know, charge the customer for a new one

[@alexandermckay8594]

Ahhh, the joys of the double wishbone suspension! Where's Mr. McPherson when you need him?

[@skiphill9]

I commend you on keeping this episode rate PG-13 !!!! I would have failed miserably! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

[@douglasmayherjr.5733]

Really Appreciate your Videos. I like that you show your good days and not so good days. I find that things don’t always go as planned, no matter what trade your in. I work in Commercial Industrial HVACR Service. I grew up on a farm and went to school as a Diesel Mechanic. Your Channel covers a bunch of bases for me. Thanks, Wes. You and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’m not a happy holidays guy.

[@KarateSensei71]

Love when Wes wakes up and chooses violence; that was a brutal repair. I have been in a few of those and it never leaves you feeling like a winner, just like you did not lose.

[@davidcolesr.8628]

Good to see you Fella, I Wish You, The Mrs., Your Little Boy & the Pup a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

[@williamhenderson9535]

After this: Wes, "Note to Self - Never do a Ball Joint repair on a Honda product!". That's why we love your channel! You're the real McCoy!!! Thanks

[@Firebird400]

I find it really helps to rotate the cv axle while tapping it with the hammer. Gets that ring in its happy place and it comes out . I went to war with a few of them before I figured that out . Might just be b.s but I find it works for me. Or gently put a wedge between the housing axle stub helps to but obviously you can’t go full caveman on it because the housing it usually cast aluminum or some pile of garbage cast .

[@alanenglish9681]

Welcome to my world Wes.... Never even think a job is going to be easy!!!

[@dfusit]

Come for the content, stay for the snark. Great job Wes.

[@tdkrei]

As you already know, you can control the repairs, not the customer. Keep on smiling.

[@OtherWorldExplorers]

The license plate was so close Should have said WKRP in Cincinnati... Only the old among us would get that joke, without googling it.

[@davidcolesr.8628]

Fond Memories

[@mph5896]

I was just laying 45 minute mud in my bathroom before this video. Tools are out and I have left over mud. You want me to come over and do the body work. Think I even have some rattle can silver in the garage. 😉

[@justinsane7128]

Wes is like a mafia mechanic, Don't ask Don't Tell just fix it never mind the blood and the hair

[@keithrimmer3]

Good job Wes, just did my CRV ball joints they are not man enough and are the same it's best to use OEM or TTX ball joints I put mine in the freezer and warmed up the knuckle with the torch and they fall in easily the Chinese knock offs don't last 6 months It's a big problem with honda ball joints failing all the time at around 100k in the rust belt well done pall

[@SKIPWIRE1]

Similar problem with 2007 Honda Civic. Pain in the arse. Hours of my life I will never get back, need every one of those too. Thanks for sharing Wes.

[@SPW812]

What a great mechanic, not even a hint of irony in your humor Wes.

[@demogod4955]

Watching that car shake that much while wes try to remove the axle put me on edge.

[@eiguch]

Why do you keep looking back at the vehicle? Are you checking to see that it’s still there

[@davidcolesr.8628]

Likely just hoping it’s all a Bad Dream

[@dxradio33]

I want to tell you Wes, God will have a special place in heaven for you because of your endurance. There would not have been enough swear words in my vocabulary (my repertoire is quite extensive) to cover what I would have uttered doing that job. Thank you for your content.

[@wink9970]

Happy (all of them) Holidays. From my couch, watching, I wouldn't change a thing.

[@mattlaptop5728]

Thanks for the time and effort in sharing your front seat on the struggle bus.

[@MrDMIGNON]

On a job that goes super long like this, do you charge hourly or book time? I really appreciate the videos Wes, Merry Christmas to your family and I hope you guys get some good rest!

[@toddp442]

40 year mechanic, recently had a Volvo axle that I could not get out with all the same things you tried, I recommend an "AXLE POPPER" which is a set of pickle forks style wedges that removed it in seconds after spending three days trying to get it out, best $25.00 I ever spent.

[@toddavis8603]

ACURA NIGHTMARE: Love that C clamp press! NOBODY that i know said it would be easy being an auto mechanic!"All is well, that ends well, Wes.

[@tomgranger462]

I enjoy your videos, I'm a 60yo tow company owner/operator, not a mechanic, but I have and still turn a lot of wrenches. You have one tool in your box that i can't seem to find anywhere.... PATIENCE LOL, The stuff you get stuck with makes me feel a little better!

[@DaveImagery]

Wes is the only content creator I'll go back and re-watch old vids. 😊

[@stxrynn]

That oil filter is a known good part. Why would you even contemplate replacing it? Oh cool! It has the audio feedback circuit in the power steering pump! That is a rare option indeed. We have a Toyota with the 100% loss power steering circuit. You just fill it anytime you want to drive it. No filter needed, always fresh and topped up. Keeps the asphalt in front of the house supple and wrinkle free. Like Noxema, or Oil of Olay, daily application yields the best results. Good on ya, Wes. Keeping the antique road show running.

[@brentoconnor6127]

I spent hours on a 90’s Sunbird with pry bars removing an axle. Big bars, wedges, etc. The solution was slight pressure and tapping the joint to rattle the C spring clip. Came right out.

[@1976Datsun]

Funny, I just watched a video where the guy put new CV boots on the axles by leaving that part of the CV installed. He said it was often problematic trying to get them out. The Car Care Nut - "TOYOTA OWNERS! Never Replace Your Leaky Axle | Fix Them Instead!" You were halfway there!

[@bringbacknames]

I was wondering why he went to all that trouble. There's no way I would've wasted all that time. I'm thinking there was something I missed or that he neglected to say.

[@IO-zz2xy]

Happened to me on my Passat GLS about 20 something years ago. I was also VERY VERY lucky. It happened just as I pulled off from a stop light, still in first gear. Traffic chaos ensued but I lived to tell the tale. Had it happened 5 min earlier I would have been travelling much much faster. I now have a terrible hang up about my wheels/suspension brakes. Regards from South Africa

[@roberthocking9138]

Your customer learned an expensive lesson, when Wes tells you parts need replacing, he’s not saying that for fun !! Lucky he and the car are not more damaged , good job

[@marklowe330]

I always enjoying watching. Those c clips can be a pain. And sometimes it removes the end of the shaft. Keep up the good fight.

[@davidporter2374]

Thanks Wes, once again you have proven to me thet retirement was a wise desission. Every once in a while I do miss mechanicing, but these videos show differnt

[@Spillmansgarage]

I owned an Acura TL-S briefly. Had all the above mentioned problems. It took me like two hours to get the passenger CV out. Sold it soon after because I couldn’t enjoy driving it having endured the pain I did to get it drivable. Plus it had a myriad of oil leaks that I couldn’t figure out. Resealed everything and still had an mystery oil leak somewhere.

[@davidhelmuth6654]

Looks like the same heartache you get from changing a starter on a ford probe. Sorry for your luck. Stay safe out there…

[@richardthomas1743]

On the inner CV , I have always had great success by taking a big pry bar like you did and then taking my air chisel "at a reduced air pressure" and taking that to the CV housing. The vibration in addition to the prying normally will allow them to pop out with no problem. If that fails rotate the CV 1/2 of a turn , that will put the circle lock into a different position. I have never not had this work for me..

[@erikrunas226]

Wes, after watching you and a few other techs struggle with this crap, I'm convinced the auto companies give the engineers bonuses for making cars almost impossible to work on. I tip my hat to you.

[@htownblue11]

What a knuckle buster of a job. You know it’s bad when Wes says “Screw it, time to just break stuff”.

[@joshuasill1141]

It's a vicious cycle of watching Wes work on Watch Wes Watch while at my work while I'm supposed to work . . .

[@craigsudman4556]

I believe the Chinese manufacturer recommends a "quick rinse in fuel when reinstalling old filters to eliminate the need for excessive replacement of oil filters". Great video Wes thumbs up.

[@str8aces920]

I had a 1995 Civic hatch with a 1.8 dual overhead cam Acura Integra motor swapped in it and had the same exact shaft problem. I fought with that for hours and it broke just like what you had. Fortunately on mine, it was a 5-speed and the jackshaft was on the driver side not the passenger so it was a lot easier to remove and replace. I did mine about 12 years ago and as I'm watching this I'm feeling your pain. Haha

[@azwag4235]

You're a saint for working on that "kids" car. No bueno.

[@garymiller3264]

Some times I watch these older videos just to re live the pain.😊

[@patrickmoodabe9728]

Jeez Wes. You need to learn to say no sometimes. Particularly when he didn’t follow your advice!! Great perseverance on this one. 👏👏

[@zachdobbs7810]

Came here because Neil at Dig Drive DIY told me I had to come say thanks for the camera.

[@Rosskenpo1]

Yow, tough repair... I did the ball joints on my Accord after it failed State safety inspection. The one of few times I found the state inspection useful. Your customers are lucky

[@williamwicklund4273]

Mechanics make engineers look good

[@dajonczy427]

I ha a similar experience on a 95 escort wagon LX. I changed the transmission, had to take care joints out again to put a new converter seal in after 1st install. It was seeping. Drivers side came out OK 2nd time ,but couldn't get new passenger side cv out for anything. Finally took a 1/4 " rod passed it through the new tyranny and 1 esay tap passenger side new CV popped out. I shure can relate to your frustration. Loyal viewer Dave Jonczy

[@jeremy2283]

I had to use the blue flame wrench when I replaced the factory lower ball joints on my 98 f150 several months ago. Ball joints puller kit wouldn't budge them before that

[@gidge34]

Thanks for hooking up Neil, seams like salt of the earth like you!

[@ourkid2000]

I gotta be honest......I wanted that bolt to be frozen in the sleeve. I was very disappointed to see that one come out so easy, lol. I just love watching pros deal with frozen bolts/sleeves. Great video Wes!

[@CrimeVid]

Did you see Eric O’s savage attack on a subframe attachment the other day ?

[@ourkid2000]

@@CrimeVid Yes that's exactly the kind of stuff I love.

[@yesimbigwes]

Good to see another Wes on KZbin

[@phillipjones3342]

The struggle is always real persistence, my friend

[@billm2224]

The other day in one of your videos, you mentioned a tool called a (needle scaler) Just some trivia, I was in the Navy for 24 years and we had that tool, we called it a' "needle gun" We used it to take off paint down to bare metal. I haven't seen that tool in 22 years, that brought back a lot of memories, thanks.

[@thebizwacky]

Watching Wes struggle on this job like I struggle on every job I ever do is extremely cathartic. Thanks for sharing your suffering!

[@jbkbrand]

Merry Christmas to you and your family from Texas. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!

[@jimmy6754]

My bad, suspension components on cars, simple jobs can turn into nightmares, when you are not aspecting it, love the videos, keep them coming👍

[@patrickmorrissey2271]

Nice job. I battled a few front CV deals in Northstar Cadillacs... Those are no joke. Sometimes they pop right out... Sometimes they don't.... I always thought the Ultra Pros had some kind of secret way of getting those out.... I guess not! Re: the oil filter... I'm in a different industy, but our foremen were always real firm on that... If they're not paying for it, leave it. You can tell them it needs this or that, but if they say no... You know the old saying, no means no.....

[@DaffyDuc69]

Best two tools I ever bought. Snap-on BJP-1, and a Steck Axle popper

[@djhscorp]

Patience of a saint. Merry Christmas and a simpler New year.

[@jerrycann6374]

Thanks for the memories, that reminded me of changing an alternator on my son's Honda years ago, what a nightmare

[@BlindBatG34]

Kudos on your user name Jerry.

[@jerrycann6374]

@@BlindBatG34 Thanks, I'm not a normal Jerry Can.....I have 2 n's .....I wasn't sure if you noticed the 2 n's being a BlindBat...🤠

[@ashleywilson6145]

The easiest way to remove the inner CV joint part that is still attached to the trans is to use the axle part that is no longer attached due to the ripped boot. Stick it back in the housing, take a pair of vice grips and clamp on the edge of the the outter ring of the CV TIGHTLY. Use the axle like a slide hammer and yank it out. Works every time. Takes about 5 minutes.

[@GNX157]

I was thinking to myself “there’s no way he’ll put that original filter back on”. Geez that’s classy, and you knew it wasn’t cool cuzz you knew there’d be comments.