Here is my experience with replacing lower ball joints and what NOT to do.

First, make sure you get the right puller. If you use a triple clamp type puller that doesn't grab the sleeve, you'll push it out like I saw on another thread and according to Honda means you have to replace the whole knuckle. I didn't.

I also found that the aftermarket joints have larger threaded ends and also have a snap ring to hold the ball joint in place. The factory ones do not.

The last thing is the tool. I invested $85 in a air hammer attachment that will remove and insert the new joint with ease. I also had to pick up a $45 Ingersol Rand air hammer because my really cheap HD special didn't cut it.

Here are some pictures I took:

Comparing the threaded ends:



The aftermarket part number:



Comparing the nuts, the factory one is larger so I am going to use a grade 8 washer on the bottom to make sure the sleeve isn't pushed out:





The tool:




Certainly not for everyday use, the end was dinged up after a couple installs

New:



After being used:



The end result with the snap ring in place:

 

Nice pics!

You kept the upper ball joint attached and replaced the ball joint with the knuckle on the car?

Where did you source that ball joint?

 

In my case I had the knuckle out but the tool is made so that you can do it without removing it.

I got these from partsgeek.com for a little over $36 each.

 

It looks like the TL uses the same lower ball joints as the Accord and TSX. This is interesting, because the TL compliance bushings are larger in diameter than those found on the Accord and TSX.

I think I've heard that Three Five ball joints are on par with OEM...those threaded studs sure look beefy. It looks likes the OEM joint might have a heat treated stud, unlike the Three Five version.

 

I pulled the boot and the 'discoloration' only goes as far as the bottom of where it would seat in the sleeve of the lower control arm. The threads are super soft.

I also compared the ball size by eye and they are about the same so your comment about on par with OEM looks to be correct.

Also heard that the joints are the same and I would expect that if that joint is deemed sufficient by the engineers but the other two bushings on the lower control arm may have deflected more on a 'performance sedan' vs a 'lower end' Honda.

 

Is this what you did >>>>

 

No actually here a video on how you did that.