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old86lx
05-02-2002, 04:08 PM
I'm pretty sure i need new front upper arms/ball joints. My question is, do i need to do the whole control arm, or will just replacing the bushings help? (i know you can't replace the joint itself)

CARBurn
05-02-2002, 06:00 PM
I don't know about replacing the bushings, but yeah you can't replace the joint cuz it doesn't separate, I highly recommend getting 2nd gen prelude front upper A-Arms from a junkyard. With these you can replace the ball joints cuz they do separate (Cost only $34.99 @ Autozone where I live) Cheaper than buying new Accord Control arms and you can adjust them later should you decide to lower your car and pocket that money you would use for an expensive camber kit.

old86lx
05-02-2002, 09:16 PM
When i replace the upper control arms, do i still need a ball joint puller, and if so, is there a certain type i need, or is it just a generic one-tool-for-all-joints kind of tool? thanks!

Jims 86LXI HB
05-02-2002, 10:03 PM
Ok, I have something you may find interesting concerning what tool to use to get your ball joints apart with.

My brother and I recently had to pull my left ball joint apart to replace my drive axle. He's got one of those fancy screw type pullers and a sweet 600 ft lbs air ratchet(ms) yeah 600lbs!!!. Well guess what it would not come apart:rant: So we went down to pep boys auto parts and purchased a $10 wedge type tool and whack!, pop, it came off, go figure!

CARBurn
05-02-2002, 11:43 PM
yep, i bought the same type of ball joint separator from pep boys too, works like a charm. Just tap a couple of times and voila, its apart!
Question-Why do they sell one for the tie rods? I found I could use the same ball joint separator for both the ball joints and the tie rods. I know the tie rods are smaller but I was almost tempted to buy a tie rod one also cuz I thought I needed it.

ACCORD EX
05-03-2002, 02:06 AM
when i changed my bearings ! i hit all the ball joints with a big hammer adnd the seperated ! ( that's after trying the damn gear pullers ! :D

MIKE

AccordChemist
05-03-2002, 07:39 PM
all you gotta do is hit the wishbone with a hammer......

smufguy
05-04-2002, 09:32 PM
yeah u do all this when u are pretty sure of whats going on. dotn get a stock accord replacement control arms. cost me 90 bucks just for the fraggin parts. from the junkyard, well be sure they are not ripped or in bad shape. get new bushings and replace them and u will be good as new.

epic1400cs
07-30-2007, 12:28 AM
So we went down to pep boys auto parts and purchased a $10 wedge type tool and whack!, pop, it came off, go figure! Excuse me to rescue dead thread but can you tell me the internal width of the jaw opening?
I am thinking to get this one will it be good?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DRAPER-FORK-TYPE-BALL-JOINT-SEPARATOR_W0QQitemZ7928066981
I just became sick of using Honda recommended gear puller as it just can't cope with it and have to buy new one every sometime!

thegreatdane
07-30-2007, 09:22 AM
Hehe you need one of these: http://www.shacktools.com/sykespickavant-ball-joint-separator-p-5493.html

I use one made by Facom. Extremely solid and lifelong warranty. Fits both outer tie rod ball joints, lower balljoints and upper balljoints.
:)

epic1400cs
07-30-2007, 07:42 PM
This one looks very solid and versatile.
I have one facom gear puller and I love the finish of it. Problem is I can't find any facom one on the net!! May be too special.
Have ordered Sykes one you suggested for now. Thanks a lot.

BUzzard
08-08-2007, 11:22 AM
Newbie here...:wave: I need to replace the rear upper ball joints in my 89. I looked at the How To section on the front control arms/joint. My question is, are the procedures the same for the rear joint as the front joints? Thanks.

BITESIZE
08-08-2007, 11:23 AM
Rear ones are easy. Two bolts on top, one at the bottom that hooks to the arm.

BUzzard
08-08-2007, 11:30 AM
Are these the right arms for the upper rear?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/86-87-88-89-Honda-Accord-Rear-Control-Arms-PAIR-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33583QQihZ003QQitem Z130141059253QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

BITESIZE
08-08-2007, 11:30 AM
^^yes