88 Accord ball joints

Hello everyone,
I was wondering if anyone here ever had a ball joint come apart on their
86-89 Accord. If so, which one separated, what happened because of it, and
what were the warning signs? I am looking for ball joints for my '88
Accord. I figure used might be a cost effective way to get them already
installed so it is a bolt-on job. The lower ones are press fit. I imagine
it's going to be hard to get them out after being in there 17 years almost.

Thanks,
Aron

 

Maybe this will be helpful, from a July 2004 "Import Car" article on Honda
suspensions:
_____
Also keep in mind that if you're checking for play while the car is on a frame
contact lift, the weight of the hanging suspension may mask the play that's
present when the vehicle is at ride height. When checking for looseness, use a
pry bar to try and move the sway bar in the bushings or against the links. If
there is any play at all, replace them. If the noise appears to be coming from
the rear, don't overlook the ball joints as a possible cause. Common on the
older Accords, a knocking noise will be the only warning the driver will get
before this joint fails. Like most suspension problems, this is an easy
diagnosis. Simply grab the wheel at the top and bottom and check for movement.
Nothing tricky, you just have to remember to do it. If the joint needs to be
replaced, it is serviced with the arm.
....

Don't overlook front ball joints and tie rod ends as a source for a knocking
noise. Although occasionally accompanied with another complaint, most of the
time all the customer will notice is the noise. With the stress they're under
and the mileage they see, it's not surprising that front lower ball joints are
common replacements. In this case, while the wheel is hanging, give it a hard
push and pull as you would if you were checking for a loose tie rod. If any play
is felt, look closely at the lower joint for side movement; there should be
none.
____

Today my local import car repair shop told me they liked the ball joints Napa
sold.

I trust you have a good manual. If not, try www.autozone.com 's free online,
vehicle specific repair guides.

 

They maybe worn, go to alignment shop and have them replaced, you will also
need a front end alignment when they are changed.
You may be able to change out the ball joints if you have the tools and
just go in for the alignment.

 

I don't understand how they'd fix the alignment if it was off due to that
job. I mean there's no camber adjustment (unless you install a lowering
kit).

 

Yes, I agree, go see a alignment shop, before your front end falls apart on
the fwy/street, and cost you more$$$$

Jim

 

I recently changed both lower ball joints on my civic 91, and the tie rod
ends too!..

I paid aprox. $35.00 for each tie rod end, and like $50.00 for each lower
ball joint!..

The only ones with full warranty where the lower ball joints (moog
brand-w/blue rubber), the tie rod ends (moog as well, didn't have any
warranty)!...That's just the price for the parts, I don't recall how much I
paid for the labor; but if You want to buy a two jaw puller yourself to take
them off (the three jaw puller doesn't fit and doesn't work on my civic 91-I
paid about $9.00 for it), and also a clamp to compress and install the tie
rod end as well as the ball joints!..

Plus a kit of ratchet and