If you have excessive play in the ball joint, it should be replaced. The upper control arm includes a ball joint already pressed in.
In this video, I will show you how to replace the upper control arm with ball joint.
The vehicle I’m working on is a 2005 Acura TL and this process should work on all 3rd generation Acura TLs.
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Hey bud, thanks for the nice video and proper explanations. One little suggestion is that maybe you can share the torque specs for all bolts and nuts you did, i know you mentioned one but you know, rest could be helpful too.
Now my story. I took my tl (04) to the mechanic yesterday to check out an oil leak and couple other complaints. The leak got fixed. I knew i had a ball joint loose on the passenger side but it wasnt too bad back then so i left it for later. Now i asked the guy to check it and see how much worse it had gotten. Fair enough it was bad, so i had him replace the tie rod end. My other complaint was that i was hearing knocking/banging on the driver side whenever uneven terrain, potholes etc. At first he couldnt find anything, ball joints, everything is tight BUT… upper control arm. The ball joint on it is fine but there is a big play at the other 2 points, where the 2 bolts are. The play is towards front and back of the vehicle. He suggested i replace that upper control arm. I told him i'll come back for it another time because of, well.. budget.
My questions are: can this play be a cause of loose bolts or something is really worn out there? And is it safe to keep driving for a while longer like this? Besides the knocking im hearing squeaking too now which started yesterday. Im thinking of buying the part and replacing it myself next thursday, i just wonder if i can make it till then hehe. Thanks