REplace Accord 1996 lower ball joint rubber boot ???
#1
REplace Accord 1996 lower ball joint rubber boot ???
Hi,
Lesson learned, never buy cheap part from NAPA !!
I just torn the rubber boot of my 1 month old lower ball joint of my Accord 1996 !!
Quick questions :
Thanks
Lesson learned, never buy cheap part from NAPA !!
I just torn the rubber boot of my 1 month old lower ball joint of my Accord 1996 !!
Quick questions :
- Should I just change the ball joint to an genuine OEM one (just found that they are selling it only 16$) or just the rubber boot ?
- Can I easily change the boot myself without removing the ball joint ?
- Do you guys have a link for the instructions for a DIY job to change the rubber boot ??
Thanks
#2
How did you tear it? I bet it's just as easy to tear the rubber boot of a OEM balljoint from the dealer.
If it's only $16 for a new one, I'd be pretty tempted to get that.
To replace only the boot...
- Separate the balljoint from the knuckle, so the boot can be removed over the tapered stud.
- Clean the threaded end real good.
- Take a small screwdriver or something like that & remove the coiled spring-clip holding the big end of the boot. Then the boot can be removed.
- Clean it up & add grease if needed. Make sure it operates smoothly but not loosely. (If it's action is rough, you'll wish you just bought the whole balljoint.)
- Install the rubber boot, being careful not to carry dirt from the threaded end of the stud down into the ball/socket of the joint.
- Install the coiled spring clip to hold the boot on.
If it's only $16 for a new one, I'd be pretty tempted to get that.
To replace only the boot...
- Separate the balljoint from the knuckle, so the boot can be removed over the tapered stud.
- Clean the threaded end real good.
- Take a small screwdriver or something like that & remove the coiled spring-clip holding the big end of the boot. Then the boot can be removed.
- Clean it up & add grease if needed. Make sure it operates smoothly but not loosely. (If it's action is rough, you'll wish you just bought the whole balljoint.)
- Install the rubber boot, being careful not to carry dirt from the threaded end of the stud down into the ball/socket of the joint.
- Install the coiled spring clip to hold the boot on.
#3
How did you tear it? I bet it's just as easy to tear the rubber boot of a OEM balljoint from the dealer.
If it's only $16 for a new one, I'd be pretty tempted to get that.
To replace only the boot...
- Separate the balljoint from the knuckle, so the boot can be removed over the tapered stud.
- Clean the threaded end real good.
- Take a small screwdriver or something like that & remove the coiled spring-clip holding the big end of the boot. Then the boot can be removed.
- Clean it up & add grease if needed. Make sure it operates smoothly but not loosely. (If it's action is rough, you'll wish you just bought the whole balljoint.)
- Install the rubber boot, being careful not to carry dirt from the threaded end of the stud down into the ball/socket of the joint.
- Install the coiled spring clip to hold the boot on.
If it's only $16 for a new one, I'd be pretty tempted to get that.
To replace only the boot...
- Separate the balljoint from the knuckle, so the boot can be removed over the tapered stud.
- Clean the threaded end real good.
- Take a small screwdriver or something like that & remove the coiled spring-clip holding the big end of the boot. Then the boot can be removed.
- Clean it up & add grease if needed. Make sure it operates smoothly but not loosely. (If it's action is rough, you'll wish you just bought the whole balljoint.)
- Install the rubber boot, being careful not to carry dirt from the threaded end of the stud down into the ball/socket of the joint.
- Install the coiled spring clip to hold the boot on.
The OEM ball joint are only 16$ but I am reluctant to pay again the labor to change the ball joint when they are brand new (only 1 month old).
Things is if I fail to change myself the rubber, i may have to change the ball joint itself !
So for a newbie in mechanics who had access to tools , is it easy to change the rubber boot ??
Thanks for the instruction. I guess NAPA had the rubber boot. gonna call them to see
Last edited by curvenut; 01-24-2013 at 08:58 AM.
#5
I've had good luck w/ removing/installing the spring ring w/ pick set (< $5 at Harbor Freight but available widely). Use the straight end and 90 degree bent end picks to hold one side and pull other side of loop into position. It can be a bit tricky even w/ tools. Honda has a special tool for this purpose.
Let us know how it works out.
good luck
Let us know how it works out.
good luck
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