Hey All,

I have recently replaced both front left/right upper ball joints on my 2001 Acura CL-Type S. I have been driving it for a couple of days and I have noticed that in the front right the alignment notches (on the ball joint and the control arm) have rotated about a half inch away from each other.

These are not the adjustable ball joints. Has anyone ever seen this before or have any ideas why/what caused this?

Much appreciated,

Q

 

Did you install the spring ring clips ?
If the ball joints are turning maybe its time for new upper arms.
I would not be concerned with them turning.
If they are trying to move up and down like their atempting to pop out of the arm,that's when I would worry.
Not 100% positive I'm reading your post right.

 

Unfortunately, this ball joint didn't come with the spring ring clips. It looks like the ball joint rotated within the control arm, I haven't seen any signs of them trying to pop out of the arm.

It's the strangest thing I've seen in a while,

Q

 

How tight were they when you pressed them in? When I took out my ball joints, they were really tight. You would've needed to beat on them to get the new ones in or use a press.

I really don't see how you could know if they rotated. The top is round and the bottom is covered by the boot.

If they aren't adjustable, what "alignment notches" are you talking about. Are these adjustable arms? Unless... you're looking at the nut with the cotter pin. That will rotate left and right as the knuckle turns.

 

Hey All,

Just an update. I think it was the ball joint that was the incorrect size/bad fit. I took the car to a mechanic and when he raised the suspension you could see the ball joint was coming out of the control arm.

In retro spect these upper ball joints that I used where not nearly a tight enough fit. The ones that I replaced them with were MUCH harder to press in.

Here is the model info that caused me grief: TRW 104336

Thanks,

Q

 

Got a couple pairs of uppers if looking