Hey guys, So I recently got a 03 TL-S and trying to fix some of the issues on the car. I took it to dealer and got it checked. It appears that both of lower ball joint need to be replaced and the driver side outer CV boot is split open so grease is spitting out.

I was wondering how hard it is to do the lower ball joints on my own. I know that I need some sort of pressing tool to do the lower ball joints only but what if I replace the entire suspension control arm as a whole, would it be just direct swap or do I still need some sort of special tools or machine?

How much do local shops usually charge for this job including parts and labor?


For CV boot, I am not sure I have to replace the entire CV drive axle or just the boot, possibly sealing after put some more grease in? Car still turns and runs just fine right now. And again, how much do shops usually charge for it?

I am pretty sure if I take it to dealer to fix these, they will probably rip me off.

I'd appreciate your inputs. Thanks.

 

Off topic but how much did you get your car for and how many miles? i just pick up an 02 tl-s and just wanting to compare.

 

I personally think that I got a really good deal. 03 TL-s, with 117k, got it for $6,000 even

 

cv boot, grease comes out and grit goes in
Replace entire axle- see NAPA auto parts for complete new unit 100 bucks, and a small shop will charge about an hour

control arms- do you have big tools for really tight bolts?
dealer will replace entire arm- its faster and more profitable for them

 

register with acura to see if part of any recalls
1-800-382-2238x5
give them your address as new owner and VIN for history check

 

I registered on the owner website and it shows me two recalls, water pump and transmission both status fixed. I also verified the recall with dealer as well. Service manager ran a history check and found same information.

 

Thats a pretty good deal. I got mine for 4650 but after new parts ended up $5200 with 167,000 miles on it. but it did get a new tranny at 115,000

 

I just did my lower ball joint this past weekend. It wasn't too bad. I rented the press and ball joint splitter from Autozone. It took maybe two hours of work total

 

The lower ball joints are a part of the steering knuckle and not the control arm. The knuckle is expensive, just get the ball joints replaced.

 

That' s correct. If you remove the knuckle assemblies a machine shop can replace the ball joints for you or you may be able to do it with a ball joint press or a vise and some sockets. The bad axle assembly can be replaced at the same time.

 

i replaced my lower ball joints i just smacked it out with a hammer and to put them in i just put a socket as big as the ball joint and smacked it back in

 

^^^^^^^^^^^thats what im about to do mine keep making noise bad.

 

Was the tranny replaced? If so at how many miles. I got mine a year ago with 67k on it with a replaced tranny for $6500. Just got mine replaced at a shop (well my mom secretly took it while I was out with some friends for Christmas) and it was $500 to replace all four. Probably could have gotten it done cheaper had i gone to my usual shop or done it myself just don't have the tools to do it.

 

just did the same to my tl about 2 weeks ago in not hard you just have to take the knuckle off and knock the ball joint out. cv axle just pop it out of place real simple