I have a 1998 honda accord coupe ex. It has approx 163,XXX miles on it. Just got a major service at the Honda dealer. They told me that my lower ball joints had a lot of "play" in them and that I need a new wheel bearings. I also think they said I needed to replace the steering knuckle as well? not sure why i would have to replace the steering knuckle? I think they quoted me $1350 for parts and labor? Has anyone had this done? Do it make sense to replace the UBJ's and shock mounts while they are in there? Not sure if this job is worth it or should I sell the car.

FYI..
Just replaced my tranny this week and the AC doesn't work all the time.
Thanks!

 

I don't see why you'd need to replace the knuckle...?

But it's very possible that your wheel bearings and LBJ's are worn out and need replacement.

I would only replace shock mounts if there was a problem with them.

You can buy LBJ's for about $15-30, and you can install them with basic hand tools, jack, etc. A ball joint separator with the screw type leverage makes this MUCH easier.

I've never replaced wheel bearings so I can't give you much info on that, but you might find some DIY instructions on here.

If you plan on having them do it, then you should post exactly what they quoted you so we can give opinions on labor, parts, etc.

 

Thanks jschmid. I'll post more when I get a quote. Changing the steering knuckle does not make any sense to me. Lower ball joints and wheel bearings I can see... Steering knuckles are $360 each..Thanks again.

 

They told you to replace the steering knuckle because that is the way that Honda sells them. Honda doesn't sell the lower ball joint by itself, only as part of the steering knuckle.

 

Well that's just rediculous if it's true. I replaced a LBJ on my buddy's 5th gen Accord, picked up a heavy duty one for $25 at Napa.

I've only had one ball joint go bad, and it was an upper ball joint. Honda only sells a new upper A-arm with the UBJ installed. Luckily Ingalls sells an OEM replacement ball joint (probably only because their aftermarket adjustable camber arms use the OEM ball joint swapped over from the OEM arm). So I bought an Ingalls one for $20 or so and installed it.

You'll need a ball joint press. Some people will hammer them in, but that's a bit risky imo.

I got my ball joint press at Harbor Freight for around $30. It's easiest to use with the ball joint press firmly secured in a decently sized and secured vice.

Good luck.

 

It looks like you are talking about the upper ball joint and that is a lot different than the lower. Besides, I wouldn't risk replacing just the upper ball joint and not the rest of the control arm.

 

No...I'm talking about both UBJ's and LBJ's. I've replaced both...the LBJ on my buddy's Accord, and the UBJ on my Accord. Why would you spend $120 on a replacement upper arm AND another $20 on a new UBJ if the rest of the arm is still in good condition? You have two rubber bushings at the top of arm...those are really the only other parts in the arm that could wear out. If they are clearly in good condition, it's pointless to replace them.

 

Where did you buy an upper control arm that didn't come with a ball joint already installed?

 

I didn't...go back up and read my post #5 on this thread.

My UBJ went bad. I replaced only the UBJ. Removed the upper arm, removed the ball joint, pressed the new Ingalls OEM replacement ball joint into the existing OEM upper arm and reinstalled the arm.

 

The joint press is needed for which, UBJ or LBJs? I bought these:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...2723777&rd=1,1

Im planning to swap out UBJs/control arms and LBJs. To get them pressed, do I have to take the whole assmembly? Saturday in June might be a tough time to get them pressed

Spy