98 Acura 3.5 RL with 200K miles -- collapsed while driving -- had to be towed. Passenger side front lower ball had completely separated and seems the force pulled on the axle to fully separate at inner joint. For those of you who like pictures, here are a few.

 

I am trying to decide which brand lower ball joints to buy for my 1998 Acura 3.5 RL (1st Gen)... Acura sells the whole knuckle for $275 ea side --that really sucks..I can't justify that kind of $$. Anyone know of a Honda p/n which will be a exact fit for the 1998 Acura 3.5 RL?

The reason I am asking is that one of the brands at Rockauto (MAS BJ59115XL) listed 2003-07 Honda Accord and 2004-08 Acura TSX as a cross applications for the same part listed for my 1st Gen Acura 3.5 RL. The ball joint p/n for Accord and the TSX is 51220-SDA-305 -- question is whether it will fit my Acura? This ball joint can be had for about $70 ea. ..not cheap but it will be oem.

Any brand recommendations besides oem?

Appreciate any help. Thanks!

 

I know there was a recall on the 1G RL balljoints. The new part comes as just the balljoints. I was told that so long as the original ball joint has never been changed, these can be used as a replacement.

 

Thanks for posting. Yes it wasn't obvious on any of the online parts diagrams but when I called the dealer, he gave me the ball joints kit p/n. If anyone else in my situation, the p/n is: 04510-SZ3-000 Ball Joint Kit -- the kit comes with 2 lower ball joints, cotter pins and also 2 spindle nuts (axle nuts). My car is a first gen 3.5 RL (1998).

 

Here is the recall from March 21, 2001 (Acura RL, TL, CL).

• So the instructions say to replace the Knuckle Ring (3.5RL and 3.2TL)...... It is a cheap part but I didn't know this and never bought it. I was planning on doing the work this w/e but doubt the dealer has it in inventory. Wonder if I could use the old one...