Hey guys. I'll get right to it...
I just had my tranny rebuilt and I assisted. While I was under the car, I noticed the boot on the front lower ball joint was ripped. I bought the boot by itself but I can't figure out how to install it. There's a bushing on the second pic that isn't on either of the diagrams. Does anybody know why? I asked several dealers and they said that I don't need any kind of press. any ideas? Thx in advance.

(part# 51225-SL5-003)

http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/jsp/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=TL&catcgry2=2 005&catcgry3=4DR+BASE&catcgry4=KA5AT&catcgry5=KNUC KLE&ListAll=All&vinsrch=no

 

I think the stock joints suck ass. I have replaced them 3x on my car within 50K miles

 

Hit the top of the spindle with a hammer and it will come out. Or you can hit the buttom of the open threaded bolt after you take off the codder pin and special nut with a hammer but I do not recommend this as it will mess up the threads and you will have to rework the threads in again. Not really a big deal but still more work.

 

This EXACT same thing happened on my car. I took it into the dealer and told them the boot was ripped and grease was coming out. They replaced free under wrnty. Tho mine was out of wrnty. You should take it in and see what they say. They have a special tool that separates that particular part.

 

^How far out of warranty, if you don't mind me asking? Any reason for the cause of the rip? Thanks

 

BTW, for anyone else needing to replace their boots, the collar indicated in the picture above pops off easily with the use of a pitman arm puller. It's not actually on very tight either. One good turn with a wrench should pop it loose.

I was able to repack my ball joints and install new boots and misc hardware for a total of $65.

 

bingo.

You can score a PAP at your local harbor freight for less than $20. Or check your local autozone, they might have one which you can borrow for free.

 

bmeyer, how did it cost you 65 dollars for everything?....if you dont mind...thanks

 

he did the work himself.

 

I accidentally pushed my up over the lip when replacing my control arm bushings...
Ended up having to cut it.
Bought a new boot, couldn't get it on no matter what. Took it to 2 honda technicians that spent 30 minutes with pullers and those weighted slide thingies to pull things off...couldn't get that piece off. Ended up cutting the new rubber down the side and then I used wire to wrap it snuggly around and packed with bearing grease. Luckily down in Sofla, we don't get salt or anything so I should be ok. Otherwise, I think you have to replace the whole thing.

 

I replaced the boots, retaining clips, crown nuts, cotter pins and ball joint grease. All of the parts came out to ~$65. And since I did all of the work myself, the labor was free (well, minus the beer anyway).

 

i know there was a tread on the moog lower ball joint that it wasnt correct....do you guys know if that problem was fixed...my threads on my driver side lower ball joint are stripped so i have to change it...i really dont wanna have to change the whole knuckle...i would rather take it off and go bring it to have the new one pressed in...