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 :

1. 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 ?
2. Can I easily change the boot myself without removing the ball joint ?
3. Do you guys have a link for the instructions for a DIY job to change the rubber boot ??

Thanks

 

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.

 

My guess I hit a small pothole but the shock was big enough to tear it ! But I cannot remember any pothole I hit !

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

 

Getting that spring-clip off & back on can be a bit frustrating. Find the end & get something small like a jeweler's screwdriver to work it off. Once that's off the rubber boot just comes off.

 

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