DIY lower ball joint Honda Accord

Front Lower ball joint replacement for a 2007 Honda Accord.
Note:
There was a dust/debris ring that was removed and not replaced. It's been commented and asked numberous times. I'st necessary to remove the ring as it's in the path of the ball joint removal. It wasn't replaced as it not imperative to replace as it's not used in future models of the vehicle.

[@fixcar111]

i recently replaced my front brakes. I did an inspection of my front suspension components and realized one axle was was severely rusted under the axle damper .Ordered a new axle, it arrived 3 days late. in the interim, we have a major storm, knocking power out for over a week. One of the trees that fell on our property landed on my wife's car. So i need to drive the accord with a soon to break axle to get fuel for our generator. Anyway the axle snapped, damaged the fender, separated the ball joint, flexible brake line is leaking, hoping nothing else. I have everything apart and i too noticed you didn't install the knuckle ring, which you replied several times to. And that question, as to the need of the ring, saved the day for me, because it'd be a possibly several days before i'd get one. So thank you very much!

[@mrfingers69]

Man I was screwing around with presses forever watched many videos. Totally forgot about the impact 🔨 saved my life

[@qrs_tuv1925]

Excellent, many thanks

[@bobthompson4319]

That part is flipping beautiful compared to moog or any of the ones at auto parts stores here.

[@UncleTinman]

I've been using that brand of ball joints for years and have served me well.

[@elmecanico4943]

I use an air hammer over the top of the ball joint. But before that I grease the bore to avoid binding. You gotta make sure it goes straight and not at an angle. This method is good if you do not have the tool shown in this video.

[@UncleTinman]

Thanks for the suggestion.. a regular 2lb hammer will work as well, but it won't be as pretty.

[@lalitkishore2979]

Uncle tinman you mean you can hammer the new ball joint in? I'm hoping I don't need the press

[@dougdays8095]

Love that air hammer move ! I need a decent air hammer. Im going to try it tommorow with my cheapo one

[@UncleTinman]

You'd never guess... I FOUND that air hammer randomly on the ground in the junk yard... best find ever.

[@UncleTinman]

Be sure to use a hammer to loosen the ball joint first...and then it should come out pretty easily with the air hammer

[@dougdays8095]

Ok will do ! Thank you

[@dougdays8095]

Ugh.. i been beating and air hammering the holy hell out of it and she wont buge..

[@UncleTinman]

@@dougdays8095 do you have the ball joint installer tool? Also how heavy is your hammer? I have a 2lb and a 5lb hammer. 2lb usually does the job. 5lb never fails.

[@standupamerica5707]

He forgot to put the center big ring back in that he took out first with the hammer and screw driver. On guessing that is a backing ring for the trans axle itself.

[@lalitkishore2979]

The mechanic said in other comments that that was an unnecessary dust and debris part that was no longer used in future Hondas of this type, so he didn't forget, just didn't need.

[@standtallvets5386]

@@lalitkishore2979 Thanks for the info. Much appreciated. Will write that down for when I change the ball joints on mine.

[@dbosnow2203]

I'm confused why did everyone on all the other videos disconnect the entire steerring knuckle if can be done this way? Wouldn't this be way easier?

[@UncleTinman]

There are multiple ways to get to a destination. Ask a farmer how to grow potatoes and you'll get multiple answers. So I guess pick whichever way you feel comfortable with. Whichever makes sense. I had another video where I changed the rad on a Sienna and multiple comments saying I didnt need to take the bumper off. I took the bumper off to minimize the risk of damaging the rad. My way may have taken longer, but was safer. Hope this helps.

[@jamesfranklin2910]

You didnt put the ring back in...is it not needed???

[@UncleTinman]

The hub ring isn't really needed. You can replace if you like

[@javirodify]

@@UncleTinman if it wasn't needed then why the manufacturer bothers in installing it?

[@UncleTinman]

@@javirodify sometimes things are over engineered and unnecessary. It was not used in future models.

[@mrc79]

@@UncleTinman so what was the purpose of that piece you didn’t replace? Over engineered for what purpose. I would personally hate that response if my mechanic gave that to me. I wonder how often that happens and we are none the wiser.

[@UncleTinman]

@@mrc79 it's a dust and debris shield. As stated.. it was not used in later models.

[@br1669]

You sir are the fucking man love mechincs that work fast

[@joeystingray]

You pried out a ring before removing the ball joint without replacing before installing the new joint and reassembling? did you fail to mention or was it not necessary? what was the name of that ring? Thanks!

[@dougdays8095]

Its more like a dust cover i think , its just a tiny bit in the way of removing the joint so its got to go

[@joeystingray]

So obviously the effort should be made to take off carefully not to damage? So it could be reused/reinstalled or is typically replaced? Thanks!

[@kttangos2871]

I wish milwaukee made a battery chisel👍👍👍👍 guess i will have to press mine out😐😐😐

[@UncleTinman]

Make a suggestion to Milwaukee.

[@dougdays8095]

First one who didn't pull the whole knuckle! Nice... Was there a snap ring on the old joint?

[@UncleTinman]

There was no snap ring.

[@dougdays8095]

Great thank you ! Appreciate it

[@UncleTinman]

No problem. Feel free to post more questions if you need. Cheers.

[@dougdays8095]

Thanks brother, mine snapped yesterday, right in an intersection lol.. fun times

[@UncleTinman]

Oh that's no fun. Axle, fender, tow bill

[@waynetyson3951]

Great video! Was the ball joint tool kit specific for Honda? Where can i buy one?

[@UncleTinman]

@@waynetyson3951 the kit is just a universal ball joint installer/removal kit. Hope this helps

[@Wiickked_Wiz]

Why do they break on these cars so easy im on my 7th change man and i love my car !

[@UncleTinman]

Not sure... what brand are you using?

[@rawlr9066]

LOVE the music hahaha

[@UncleTinman]

Hope the video helped as well.

[@dustintunis9347]

@@UncleTinman - Nope, just came for the music. 😉

[@mrc79]

Is this same process for Acura TL 2005?

[@UncleTinman]

YES. It's essentially the same process. But take notice that there's an adapter sleeve between the ball joint and control arm.

[@mrc79]

@@UncleTinman thank you again

[@mimi3868]

Would this procedure be the same for a 2011 Honda Accord?

[@UncleTinman]

2011 Accord should be quite similar.

[@danielguerra626]

Where, did you buy the balljoint?

[@UncleTinman]

The ball joint was sourced from a local auto parts store. Try looking on rockauto.com you'll be able to find them there.

[@patrickpk6299]

nice video...about to do this on an 05 accord coupe...is it different? thx for the help

[@UncleTinman]

Thanks for commenting... It's exactly the same. Hope this helps.

[@CGP9856]

You torque anything after you button everything up? Great vid dude

[@jeroen7699]

How did you notice the ball joint was getting bad? I changed both lower control arms on my 2005 accord a couple of months back. The handling has improved a little, but can still feel some slight play, or vibration, when I go trough slight corners or on highway ramps, etc.

[@UncleTinman]

Worn out ball joints sometimes knock...but so do sway bar links and bushings... your best bet is to jack the wheel up to check for play. I usually use a pry bar to check. now for your instance. I would check for play in the wheel bearing especially since you're feeling a vibration... Same thing....jack up the car and check for play in the wheel...top and bottom play...left right play....also spinning the wheel and listen for a rough rumbling noise... or feel for the roughness in the spindle as you spin the wheel. Hope this helps.

[@rubenlopez6775]

Check your cv axles and tie rods. The tie rod on my passenger side was bad and the vibrations caused a groove on the spindle of the axle. By chance I decided to replace the suspension system and threw in the axles and noticed when comparing the parts. Also the part were about $200 and I did it myself. Even without an alignment the car was running smooth with no vibrations. I also replaced the struts and aligned the car and I can assure you, you’ll be impressed and the handling and even the road noise was lessened. Hope this helps.

[@jeroen7699]

Thank you both for your help, and sorry for my late reply. I don't seem to get notifications from YT anymore for some reason... I am still planning to replace my tierods both inner and outer, and upper control arms, as well as the CV axles (one of them has some play it seems). I can't feel any play on the 4 ball joints however, so I am not going to hassle with the lower ball joints. The uppers will be changed as part of the control arm. I didn't drive much during the pandemic, working from home and all. But when the weather gets better, I will give it another try to fix it by myself. Thanks again and Happy new year 👍

[@theandrewarellano]

Nice, not having to remove the entire wheel knuckle! Is this the exact procedure for 2007 Acura TSX?

[@UncleTinman]

Yes. It's basically the same procedure. It's a little harder to work with cause it's a strut suspension.

[@theandrewarellano]

@@UncleTinman Ah, so since it's strut suspension, the knuckle will not be that easy to move out of the way and back in with the lower control arm? It seemed super easy on your video so I thought I might try changing the actual ball joint instead of replacing the boot.

[@UncleTinman]

@@theandrewarellano that's correct.. that generation of accord has an upper control arm therefore it's easier to move around.. it's still doable on the TSX.

[@antoniodelgado4939]

Is it mandatory to do wheel alignment after replacing lower ball joints on a 2003 honda civic or will it be ok?

[@UncleTinman]

Great question. Alignment won't be necessary for ball joint replacements.

[@antoniodelgado4939]

Thanks for the reply shop is trying to charge way to much for my lower ball joint replacements and I hope after watching your video everything will be ok 👍

[@UncleTinman]

@@antoniodelgado4939 great to hear. I make these videos to try and help viewers understand what needs to be done.. ball joint isn't an alignment point. So replacing one doesn't require alignment. Although if your ball joint broke causing other damages... it would be recommended to do an alignment to make sure everything is good. Hope this helps.

[@rawlr9066]

Can this be done without taking out that ring in the wheel? Doesn't seem like it will affect it.

[@UncleTinman]

It needs to be removed.. it's in the way.

[@dougdays8095]

Yup ring got to come off, its not to tough getting the ring out , just dont catch the bearing right under the ring with the screwdriver or pry bar

[@TGA2010000]

Does that ring need to be replaced?...the one you popped off the bearing

[@Socsom]

looks like you broke the lower control arm with that hammer

[@clapped_6367]

That was me earlier

[@UncleTinman]

That's unfortunate. Hope you're Ok.

[@andyva4317]

Euh . You took the ring from the top . And then installed the new one from the bottom ? Does not make sense to me i think

[@KHAOE1]

While putting everything back together I can't get the ball joint stud to go into the lower control arm hole. It's too far away!! Did I extend the Axel shaft too far when I pulled on the knuckle?..and if so how do I get it to go back in?

[@UncleTinman]

Yes... its possible you pulled the axle out. I suggest feeling the inboard joint and try to find the bearing and reposition it to slide back into the joint.

[@KHAOE1]

@@UncleTinman will try..thanks a lot!!

[@ahoorakia]

I noticed original did not have snap ring,on mine 98 accord,new ball joint(51220-s84-305) does not come with snap ring,nor have groove for it,is it OK without one?!

[@UncleTinman]

Is it OEM from Honda? If it doesn't come with a ring nor have a groove, then it should be press fit. You should be fine.

[@ahoorakia]

@@UncleTinman thanks

[@mikenice3326]

Is this procedure the same in a 92 acura vigor gs naturally aspirated sohc 2.5l l5?

[@UncleTinman]

The ball joint on a Vigor is part of the control arm. According to various parts supplier. It doesn't look like it's available separately. More than likely you'll need to replace the lower control arm.

[@juvenalalvarez9535]

Exelent job. What brand and model of air hammer are you using?

[@UncleTinman]

Thank you for the compliment.. It's an Ultra Pro.. I believe distributed by Napa. I actually found the gun at a wrecking yard. No idea why it was there sitting on the ground, but it's one of my favourite tools that get used often and it's powerful... Best find ever.

[@dougdays8095]

Thats a nice find ! Junk yard gold right there! I always grab cars sissor jacks when im at a yard lol...

[@carlwinslow4175]

So not pulling the knuckle would it keep it in alignment ? cam bolt wise?? Wonder if this trick is doable on a 14 Accord

[@UncleTinman]

I don't recall at the moment, but if you don't remove it from the strut then you should be ol for alignment

[@carlwinslow4175]

Yeah ok. I could do this myself if the loaner tools at part stores or a H freight pull kit may fit ? apparently they are "special" for Accords?

[@UncleTinman]

@@carlwinslow4175 I'm not sure what the difference would be.

[@christopherschantz1233]

What ring was that that you removed? Why does it look like it's part of the hub and not the ball joint? And does the lower ball joint not need to be greased?

[@UncleTinman]

The ring is part of the hub. It needs to be removed cause it's in the way of the ball joint coming out. It's suppose to be a dust shield for the hub, but not necessary. So I don't bother replacing it. The ball joint is sealed internally lubricated. There are some that come with a grease fitting.

[@christopherschantz1233]

@@UncleTinman ok thank you, does the lower ball joint need to be greased?

[@UncleTinman]

@@christopherschantz1233 not if it does not have grease fitting

[@christopherschantz1233]

I guess it depends on the particular ball joint? I saw one that needs to be greased but the fitting needs to be removed after because it gets in The way of the c/v shaft.

[@UncleTinman]

@@christopherschantz1233 oh that's weird that the fitting needs to be removed. Does it come with a cover for the hole?

[@tcgevolve4914]

Happened to me today

[@UncleTinman]

Oh that's terrible. How it didn't cause any major damage or accident.

[@topnach5324]

U didnt show how to press it out.

[@UncleTinman]

Cause it wasnt pressed out. I used an impact hammer to push it out. There's not enough spacing on the spindle for a press tool to fit to remove the ball joint. Watch the video again.

[@DaeganJones]

5th gen in the thumbtag is misleading.

[@UncleTinman]

The pic was meant to show a broken ball joint. The process for the ball joint replacement is essentially the same

[@DaeganJones]

@@UncleTinman I understand. Didn't watch through so I didn't relise it was a similar procedure. Only clicked because I saw my car though 😂

[@xGaMErZzZPrOx]

I let it be me :(

[@UncleTinman]

Sorry to hear. Hope you get it fixed soon.

[@AFatherToTheFatherless]

Hello did you ever get it fixed

[@UncleTinman]

What does the video show?

[@AFatherToTheFatherless]

@@UncleTinman the F are you talking about

[@john101004]

Two different cars

[@UncleTinman]

Just a pic showing a broken ball joint. It's still the same procedure to replace the ball joint.

[@edmundkonkolich8743]

OK. . . 1) WHY EXACTLY did that in-named ring need to be removed? 2) Nut/socket sizes? 3) Yea, DIYer's ALL have an AIR HAMMER available to them. 4) Thee, uhh, unknown ring. Yea. . . was it was never replaced!? 5) Dear GOD, I almost forgot to mention the choice of "music".

[@UncleTinman]

Thanks for your feedback. 1) the inner ring gets in the path of the ball joint being removed or installed. It's a dust/debris ring for the abs ring. 2) the axle nut is a 32mm. The ball joint nut should be a 17mm if it's original.. sometimes if they've been replaced with aftermarket parts can be a different size. 3) There are varying skill levels of DIY folks. Some have more equipment/tools than others. 4)Nope. I didn't replace it. I find that it's not imperative as on other models they're not even there. 5) KZbin doesn't pay me to afford paid music. I use whatever free music I can casually find. I don't put much effort or emphasis on music selection. I try to provide helpful tips/content. If you're looking for a music video...this is not the channel.

[@edmundkonkolich8743]

·Corny music? Check. ·No voiceover explaining exactly WHAT is being done and with what tool? Check. Why, oh WHY are people so devoid of sense as to think viewers are clairvoyant!?

[@UncleTinman]

Thank you for your feedback.