Replacing rear ball joint insert in knuckle.

[thouchin]

I need to make some oversized inserts because mine is loose in the knuckle. Comptech shows the stock ones here...
http://www.comptechusa.com/store/160030.html

The only tool I don't have is the reamer to get proper taper in the hole. Does anyone know what the angle is? or where to get a reamer for this app?

Thanks,
T.J.

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

hi TJ -- This is an interesting problem which is bound to become an issue on the cars as they age. The NSX does not have replacement ball joints from Honda likely due to the manufacturing process that installs the ball joints into the arms and knuckles. Removal is sometimes impossible w/o damaging the suspension member. I think what may be easier is for you to bore a clearance bore through the suspension member and use a ball joint with a snap ring to retain it in the suspension member. Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.

Regards,
-- Chris

 

[thouchin]

Actually the balljoint and taper are fine, it's the insert that is loose in the knuckle. The rear upper insert to be specific. Basically its not a press fit anymore. I think what I need to do is remove the old one and bore out the knuckle just enough to clean it up. Then machine a new insert that has an oversized OD that will press into the new bore size.

The insert is super easy part to turn except for the taper. I have found a few palces that sell reamers for this but they are for american cars with sizes like 1" to 12" taper. I'm looking for the exact taper of the acura holes and/or a source to get the ream.

Thanks,
T.J.

 

[JoeSchmoe]

How much slop is there between the insert and knuckle? You might want to try using loctite retaining compounds #680 or #660. Loctite 680 has worked for me in the past on various slip fit bearings in machinery. It might be sufficient for your application.


680 660


-- Joe

 

[thouchin]

You might want to try using loctite retaining compounds #680 or #660.

This is interesting. I don't exactly know what the gap is but I'd be surprised if it was more than .003".

The spec sheets don't mention compressive strength. The balljoint shaft and nut keep the insert in the knuckle so the shear strength can be 0. I am worried that the compound would get pulverised and then coming out as dust. I would be no worse off though so I may try this.

Thanks,
T.J.

 

[JoeSchmoe]

I did some more digging in their automotive division:

bearing mounts

Page 2 under #680 lists wheel bearings -- which should receive similar levels of punishment to your bushing. You may want to contact loctite to determine the proper product for your application.

-- Joe

 

[Larry Bastanza]

If you take a ball joint to a machine shop they should be able to measure the taper and possibly provide a reamer for you. Maybe you should call Comptech and ask them, they are very good folks.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[Andrie Hartanto]

thouchin,

this is a common problem as the car ages. I know a couple people that had this problem before and ended up replacing the whole knuckle. Let me know if you are able to do one, as I have a couple of knuckle that can use the bushing.

 

[thouchin]

I will easily be a ble to make one foe myself but if there are others that need this insert it would be an excelent canidate for an emachinshop job talked about here. I will keep you informed.

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39581&highlight=emachineshop

T.J.