I have a 98 Accord 4-cyl. with 201k miles. I am the original owner and the lower ball joints are original. One boot (dust boot) on the passanger side has a hole in it and is leaking slightly. With 201k miles should I go ahead and replace both lower ball joints or just replace the dust boot that has a hole in it? I'm planning on keeping the car forever. Thanks.

 

I'd probably think about replacing the whole balljoint where it was torn, because dirt probably got in there. Look at the boot real carefully. If it looks like it came apart from age or dry-rot, then absolutely change the boot on the other side. Other balljoints too. If it's clearly torn by some tool, then it's less panic.

I'd still check out the opposite side real good.

 

The boot has a small puncture hole only on passanger side. The driver's side boot was replaced by a honda dealer at 120k and still looks good. At 201k miles should I just replace both lower ball joints and be done with it? I plan on keeping the car forever. I'm glad I finally found you again "GREAT WIZARD"!

 

I would replace the ball joint if it is loose. If there is little play, I would replace the boot. Clean out the old grease, add some fresh grease, then put a new boot on there.