shimkc1

I recently tried to get my wheel alignment done due to uneven tire wear. The shop mentioned that the ball joints on my 2008 TL type S MT has play in it and the wheel alignment will be worthless. He suggested replacing the ball joint first.

These are the original ball joint and I have about 140K miles on the car. I can also hear squeaking sounds as I get in and out of my car so I can believe something in the suspension is not right.

My questions how difficult is it to replace the ball joint as a DIY? I am comfortable replacing brake pads, rotors and have done those. Is it fairly straight forward and if there are any good DIY or youtube guide?

Is 51220-SDA-305 the correct part number? I assume it is the same for the left and right side?

Appreciate any feedback and thanks in advance.

peter6

To do it right you'll need some tools. Besides all common ones (like jack, wrenches, sockets, pliers, hammer, etc.)

This one works well:

This one kinda works (doesn't actually fit 100% but it's possible):

And the press:

If you can rent any of those from local shop then that would be cheapest option.
Both left and right ball joints have same part #. Lower ball joint is VERY important in this car. I see you're going OEM so that's good.

shimkc1

Peter6,

Thank you for the links and info. Really appreciate it. I have a local place where they have hoist that I can rent by the hour and they have all kind of tools for auto repair. I will check to see what they have.

Is there any other parts that I need to buy and replace? Like any of the cotter pins? Boots?

peter6

For *just* the lower ball joint, going with this diagram:
https://www.oemacuraparts.com/v-2008...assis--knuckle

- Ball joint, left or right, Joint, Front Ball - Acura (51220-SDA-305)
- New nut: Nut, Castle (12MM) - Acura (90363-SEP-A00)
- New cotter pin: Pin, Split (3.0X22) - Acura (94201-30220) (or just any other pin from those kits available online)
- ABS dust shield??: Ring, Front Knuckle - Acura (44348-SDA-A00) You need to remove it to get the ball joint out and you are likely to damage it.
I didn't prepare and damaged mine, so I've been driving without those shields for couple years now without problems, but if I ever need to come back to that job I will probably buy new ones.

shimkc1

I am debating if I should replace the top arm as well since I am replacing the lower ball joint? I think the upper ball joint is part of the arm assembly on this car, is that correct? Does the upper arm last longer?

peter6

Hard to tell what lasts longer. "It depends"
I needed to replace my upper arms at 91k and lower ball joints at 107k and 124k (as first time I bought aftermarket ball joints and they failed quickly).

Check if you need upper arms (if upper ball joints are worn out). If not then it doesn't hurt to leave them be. And yes, you buy whole upper control arms (at least if going OEM route). From what you wrote only the lower ball joints need replacing, right?

shimkc1

It is from the shop if it is the upper or lower ball joint. The shop just said ball joint needs to be replaced and at that time, I did not know better to ask if it is the upper or lower. I might take the car put it on a hoist and inspect it myself before I decide what to replace.

Again, thanks for your advice.

BROlando

Squeaking and creaking under load points to a worn lower ball joint.

I would suggest doing this yourself only after you've read the FSM instructions and you feel comfortable following the steps.

The required tools are also listed in the FSM.

Don't rely on the internet for stuff that's in the FSM.

Definitely use genuine Honda/Acura parts for the ball joints, as well as the upper arms. Do not use aftermarket.

TheSauceBoss

Good info all around here, only thing I can add is that there is one exception to not using OEM ball joints - the Sankei 555 ball joints from Heeltoe auto are pretty much the only acceptable other option. I am running these on my car, and they've been confirmed successful elsewhere on these forums. To Brolando's point, definitely do not get anything from autozone or other generic auto parts stores.

https://www.heeltoeauto.com/ball-joi...8-sb-6314.html

peter6

Napa has them too:
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/ATMS...pressionRank=1

Nice, smooth, made in Japan. With the shop account napa usually charged us ~$40 which is hard to beat.