shellback42

Recently took my 02 TL Type S into the dealership for recall work on the airbag. Upon completion, they had a long list of things they recommended be done, one of which was replacing the right and left ball joints. Now I'm no mechanic but it is my understanding that on the 2nd gen TL's, the ball joint gets replaced with the upper control arm. Dealership said they have a "special tool" for replacing the ball joints without replacing the upper control arm. They want $415 plus tax for the work. Seems pretty light for the stealership actually.

Anybody know if it's possible to replace the ball joints without replacing the upper control arm? Or is it better to replace the entire upper control arm?

The job doesn't seem too bad to replace the entire upper control arm but certainly costs more in parts.

zeta

iTrader: (1)

You don't mention your current mileage; therefore, If I had to replace the upper ball joint in the upper control arm, due to wear / high mileage, I'd buy a complete inexpensive upper control arm from rockauto and replace it in mass, and be done with it.

If you can afford Acura OEM upper arms, all the better.

It's easy to separate the two upper arm flange bolts, once the damper is removed, and the one at the ball joint. No hassle with pressing out or in a new one to the arm. Though, if you want to, rockauto sells the upper arm ball joint.

If you need to replace the lower ball joint in the knuckles, they can also be found on rockauto.

shellback42

Thanks, Zeta. The mileage is currently 225k so I would imagine it's probably due for replacement. If I could just replace the upper and lower ball joints, that would be my preference just to save money. I'll give it a show and see how it goes. I found this tool for removing ball joints at Harbor Freight. Not sure if it'll work on my TL but I might try it and see.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qu...tor-99849.html

zeta

iTrader: (1)

That tool is used to 'separate ball joints' at the upper and lower control arms that connect to the knuckle.

If you want to remove / install the upper control arm ball joint or remove / install the lower ball joint from the knuckle, you will need something similar to this:

OEM 27023 Ball Joint Press



OEM 27164 Honda Ball Joint Adapter Set
OEMTOOLS Ball Joint Adapter Set (autozone.com)

Saudade

Yeah, the "special tool" is the ball joint press. They likely have a hydraulic press and use the correct adapters like Zeta linked above.

Most auto parts stores around here have loan-a-tool programs, if you're up for some DIY. Looks like you don't need anything beyond hand tools of you swap out the complete CA.

As for replace ball joints only or entire CAs, that's a cost question. A complete control arm will also include new bushings. If you going to do the ball joint, might as well do the bushings. The ball joints and bushings plus labor to press out/press in are likely close to a complete arm.