I am quite curoius about the recall on our
balljoints for the 1997 Cl's. Has anyone had
to replace them?
And if so, what was the warning signs?

 

It's something that was bothering me too, seeing the recall for the 1997 BALLJOINTS. Since it's a recall can't you have them replaced by just going to the dealer? I personally haven't had any problems yet, but would love to know the warning signs as well.

 

Ya, the dealer should replace it for free. I just had my EGR valve replaced 3 weeks ago and that was a recall as well (Replaced for free). My car feels a little unstable when turning or going over uneven surfaces. But I think that cupped tires are usually a result from worn ball joints. I'm not sure though.

 

Hey folks here is some information as to what models/VINs are affected and a link to get more info on other recalls:

http://www.4acura.com/service/updates/99-023.asp

Product Recall: Lower Ball Joints

Year
1996-98
1997-98 Model
RL & TL
CL VIN Application
See Vehicles
Affected Below Bulletin No.
99-023

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

May 13, 1999

Dear Acura Owner:
This notice is in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

What is the reason for this notice?
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has determined that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Acura automobiles. Some vehicles were manufactured with front suspension lower ball joints tht may prematurely wear out. In the worst case, the ball joint would separate without prior warning, causing the front suspension to collapse. The condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also, steering controllability would be reduced, and a vehicle crash could occur.

Vehicles Affected
3.5RL
Beginning VIN Ending VIN
1996 ALL
1997 ALL
1998 JH4KA...WC000001 JH4KA...WC007053

2.5TL
Beginning VIN Ending VIN
1996 JH4UA2...TC021065 JH4UA2...TC025075
1997 ALL
1998 JH4UA2...WC000001 JH4UA2...WC006036


3.2TL
Beginning VIN Ending VIN
1996 JH4UA3...TC012319 JH4UA3...TC014540
1997 ALL
1998 JH4UA3...WC000001 JH4UA3...WC008112


2.2CL/2.3CL
Beginning VIN Ending VIN
1997 19UYA1...VL023878 19UYA1...VL023878
19UYA1...VL024293 19UYA1...VL024652
1998 19UYA3...WL000001 19UYA3...WL000022


3.0CL
Beginning VIN Ending VIN
1997 19UYA2...VL018057 19UYA2...VL018057
19UYA2...VL018439 19UYA2...VL019398
19UYA2...VL019402 19UYA2...VL019402
1998 19UYA2...WL000001 19UYA2...WL000013


(If you're not sure if your vehicle falls within the above ranges, you're uncertain if this has already been done or you would like to check for any outstanding campaigns on your Acura, please complete our Outstanding Campaign Inquiry Form.)

What should you do?
Call any authorized Acura automobile dealer and make an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. They will replace the front lower ball joints. This repair will be done free of charge. Parts are now available. The repair takes about two hours, but please plan to leave your vehicle at the dealer all day to allow them scheduling flexibility.

Who to contact if you experience problems
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from your Acura dealer, you may write to:

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura Client Services Dept.
1919 Torrance, CA 90501-2746

If you believe that American Honda or the dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect in your vehicle, without charge, within a reasonable period of time (60 days from the date you first contact the dealer for a repair appointment), you may submit a complaint to:

Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh St. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20590

Or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393. Residents of Washington D.C. should call (202) 366-0123.

If you have questions
If you have questions about this notice, please call the Acura Client Services Department at 1-800-382-2238.

We apologize for any inconvenience this product update may cause you; however, our main concern is the continued trouble-free operation of your Acura.

Sincerely,

AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Acura Automobile Division

 

Sqeaking coming from front over bumps,
when stopping you hear a crunching metal noise,
when turning going at slow speeds you might hear a metal grinding noise again,
also you might notice slight loss of control over turning, or even you might feel like the car is unbalanced, or giving to the left or right.
finally if the wheel falls off, you know you have a problem.
dont let acura "re-pack" the ball joint with grease it didnt work. you need to have them replaced. mark

 

shit my car fits the VIN # above.

 

In regards to the old thread I bumped beforehand, i think this may be the problem for the rear-right ball joint, how much do these usually run??

It does feel like my car is a bit unbalanced and "wavy" and pulling the the right a lot... at first i thought it might be an alignment. could this be the problem?

 

what other recalls does our car have? Wondering if any of the issues my car is having right now would be covered lol

 

Not for your problems, the other ones were EGR on the 3.0 and the ignition recall

 

where/how do i get the Outstanding Campaign Inquiry Form??

 

theres also the interlock problem the key being able to be pulled out while driving and shit a cool trick to show ur buddies

but a big ass problem if u park on a hill and forget ur not in park yet when u let off the brake

 

That's the ignition recall I was refering to

 

Be sure to see the other recall post on how you can check out any outstanding stuff (I wrote a quick thing based on my experience)

Quick question that's going to sound dumb: The Interlock thing only applies to the 3.0 97 Autos right? I am able to completely shift into neutral in my 2.2 and turn the ignition off and take the key out, but I think you're supposed to be able to do that on any MT.

 

Is this recall still valid? I think mine is bad.

 

Should be, call your dealer

 

Had my front lower ball joint and CV axel brake while merging into traffic on the highway. My VIN does not match with those in the recall. Cost me $600 to get it fixed. My car does feel unbalanced while driving and i have the metal noise when turning. Acura should have covered every CL under this recall.