HondaFan81

FYI...

To everyone that has inquired about 3G TL front lower ball-joint replacement, as you probably know the OEM part does not exist. It is integrated into front knuckle assembly and sold as so (very expensive).

However, MOOG (Federal Mogul) will be coming out with a replacement part # K500117. You will not find pricing or availability at parts stores because it is has not been released yet.

So this lower joint seems replaceable. It would have boggled my mind otherwise, since I'm very familiar with many older Honda suspensions and haven't encountered one that was not in ball-joint or lower control arm form.

NHD-513

Do you know when this will be available? I need a new one and would much prefer this to a whole new knuckle.

NHD-513

For those wondering, the part is now available. I found it at Rockauto.com

gwiffer

iTrader: (7)

The part is definitely replaceable and there is an OEM part number, it's just not labeled in the exploded diagrams. I am looking into doing my front LBJs and will not use the MOOGs. They are a full metal design with zerk fittings that you must service regularly with grease. I would much rather have the sealed OEM parts, which I believe to offer greater fluidity in their motion. I'm interested in other people's views though...

qurious9ss

Would you happen to have the OEM part number?

gwiffer

iTrader: (7)

It's one of the four "Ball Joint Kit" listed on any OEM parts website...I mainly use hondapartsunlimited.com. You'd have to contact them directly to get the specific part number. It's a pretty standard Honda part...most Hondas/Acuras use the same part.

WBA-01

iTrader: (2)

Have you actually installed one of these kits yet ?? From my measurements and a few calls to American Honda, there is no replacement "yet". The 3rd and 4th gen Tl's have a longer spline on the ball joint, making the "Kits" to short for the newer cars.

HondaFan81

I still have not located any OEM replacement part. Please list Honda part # if you have.

RockAuto claims to have the MOOG parts in stock and available. However, my local parts store does not. They are looking into it further. I will update if they find out anything.

MOOG parts are good quality, sometimes better than OEM. For example, MOOG end-links for Honda Element are better design than OEM. There is nothing wrong with serviceable joints either, they can last longer with proper maintenance intervals.

MrHeeltoe

iTrader: (1)

Hi I think we were discussing this in emails before...I just wanted to publicize the fact that this is not something we've been seeing going bad on TLs...I would not stress too much about getting this part.

gwiffer

iTrader: (7)

My first thoughts were that my AV6 had the same Front LBJs as the TLs. This is not the case. There does seem to only be the aftermarket replacement, specifically MOOG.

I do agree that MOOG parts are good quality, I just prefer the OEM sealed units to the full metal designs. They do last longer, but I do not believe them to be as smooth in their operation. Since MOOG is the only option, I wouldn't hesitate to install them.

HondaFan81

Just received feedback from my local auto parts store. MOOG does now carry this front lower ball-joint, part # 500117 for our 04-08 Acura TL's.

Whether you go auto parts store or RockAuto, they are valid options now.

I have completely restored many Honda suspensions and ball-joints are a wear item in higher mileage vehicles. You will notice Honda suspensions in need of restoration usually 200K miles+. My car currently has 78K miles and suspension is solid, but I will be driving this TL into the ground in due time. I average 30K miles a year. My family has taken many Hondas well over 200K, even past 300K miles so I'm very aware of what wears out normally and abnormally.

I think ahead on repairs I know will come, so I know where to source them without last minute research. That's how I roll. I am not new to any of this and have extensive experience, even with performance parts.

CaliWowie

hey you sound like you know alot about suspentions....can i get you opinion on my last post...

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-tires-wheels-suspension-97/what-sound-800424/

thanks

NGNOUS

The OEM part number is as follows -

51220-SDA-A02 (JOINT, FRONT BALL (LOWER)) **Includes Ball Joint, Boot and Ball Clip
90363-SEP-A00 (NUT, CASTLE (12mm))
94201-30220 (PIN, SPLIT (3.0 x 22))

jokerman826

Im glad they did come out with this, after my accident this winter i found out that my ball joint was messed up along with the wheel bearing, i would so much rather replace just the ball joint than the whole knuckle