Car Fix DIY Videos

Here’s how to replace the lower ball joints on a Honda Accord with double wishbone front suspension.

A double wishbone front suspension consists of a coil over strut and steering knuckle tied together with upper and lower control arms. The lower ball joint on this setup is load bearing, which causes it to wear out frequently. The results can be catastrophic when the ball joint breaks, with the wheel pushed back under the fender, and the possibility of the driver losing control, crashing and dying.

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. This is a safety issue.

Replacing the ball joint requires complete removal of the front steering knuckle. It is held in by the upper and lower ball joints, tie rod, CV axle as well as the brakes and ABS wire.

Be careful not to damage the ABS wire when removing the knuckle, they often get rusted in. Once the knuckle is removed, the ABS ring must be removed before the ball joint can be pressed out with a C-clamp type ball joint press.

The ball joint press was rented from a local auto parts store. It comes with various adapters to fit different ball joint setups. The “OEM” branded C-clamp did not have the correct adapters for this Honda Accord, thus the ball stud had to be chopped off. The C-clamp is used to press out the old ball joint and press in the new one.

A new ball joint from Mevotech Original Grade was used as a replacement.

The knuckle is then replaced onto the car, tying into the upper and lower control arms, CV axle and tie rod. The ABS wire and brake caliper are then replaced.

New Mevotech stabilizer links and brakes were also added to this vehicle.

When road testing the vehicle, ensure there are no more clunking sounds coming from the front end and the vehicle tracks straight. Although no adjustable components were touched during the ball joint replacement, its a good idea to check wheel alignment.

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