ball joints - what a pain

[Synthesis]

so, after separating the ball joints twice THEN finding out i shouldn't have (used the 91 service manual as my guide).... i've run into a problem. one of them is slightly bent (and won't readily go back in). AND one of them won't come out of the knuckle at all (i'm suspecting it may have become bent from the last time i popped em... but maybe it's just being a pain).

now what? i don't see anything in the service manual regarding actual replacement of the ball joints themselves. did they really design this car with a forged aluminum suspension and ball joints that cannot be replaced unless the whole part is replaced??? (i really hope not)

can anybody give me some insight?
if not, looks like i'm buying new lower control arms and tow control arms. f'n a. i just don't wanna put the joints back in knowing they aren't 100%..... it'd just bug me.

also, any suggestions as to how i should get the last one out? i must admit, i could be using a better tool.... i'll try that first, but i've heard mention of the steel sleeve sometimes coming out of the control arm. that'd blow.

can somebody who has suffered with this please direct me the right way?

thanks,
k

 

[titaniumdave]

Honda did design the NSX so there are no ball joints that can be replaced on the car.

Yes, they get stuck, yes, it sucks, yes, the studs bend, yes, it sucks...

I am working on an upper rear A-arm replaceable ball joint, maybe this winter it will come together?

The lower rear ball joint is in the knuckle, it is possible to get it out and a new one in, not sure of the part which interchanges...but it is out there!

 

[Synthesis]

yeah, that sucks.

actually, the only one i'm even concerned about is the R side RR toe control arm ball joint. again, i paid attention to it for about 2 seconds when i was trying to get it out of the way to remove the trans, so i dont' even know if it is a concern.

but, you said that the ball joint in the knuckle for the LCAs can be replaced? is there a procedure anywhere, or do they not recommend you do it?

the car is unique cause it's aluminum, but it's also a pain in the arse

 

[nsxtasy]

did they really design this car with a forged aluminum suspension and ball joints that cannot be replaced unless the whole part is replaced??? (i really hope not)

Yes, it's designed so that you have to replace the whole knuckle.

One contributing factor to ball joint failure is when the brake splash guards (sometimes called the backing plate) have been removed. People sometimes do this thinking that it will allow for more cooling of the brakes, but it can also expose the ball joints to more heat from the brakes.

 

[Synthesis]

good news: i just took a closer look at my ball joints, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them.... :smile:

glad i didn't have to learn the hard way, but i'll probably still replace the boots, just for good measure.

thanks for all the info guys - it's good to know.