Question on lower ball joints

**OldSchoolSwap** · 10-23-2002, 10:33 AM

I just got the set of lower control arm ball joints (on spindle). And noticed that it does not have the groove for the safety clips, it just tappered.
The old joints have the groove and safety clip on. This worries me. Has any of you purchased a set lately? I hope this is a replacement.
Anyhow, i took them to a machine shop and they replaced both, looks nice and tight so far.....

Here's a pic of the new ones

Here's the old ones, can't notice the clip but you get the idea of the wear and tear that it has.

Spindles...

**dj99** · 10-23-2002, 10:38 AM

I don't think it matters. The ball joint has that larger part on top to keep it from pulling out of there, and the nut on the bottom. No worries.

**ACCORD EX** · 10-23-2002, 01:05 PM

what do you mean by the groove for the clip ! do you mean the clip holding he boot ??

MIKE

**dj99** · 10-23-2002, 01:49 PM

The "circlip" goes in over the top of the ball joint after it's pressed in, not around the body of the joint. The shop should have replaced it. The boot is held on by a wire snap ring.

**OldSchoolSwap** · 10-23-2002, 03:13 PM

Originally posted by ACCORD EX
what do you mean by the groove for the clip ! do you mean the clip holding he boot ??

MIKE

No, it has a groove above the boot clip. This groove is made for a safety clip, to keep the joint from poping out of the sleeve.

**OldSchoolSwap** · 10-23-2002, 03:17 PM

Originally posted by dj99
I don't think it matters. The ball joint has that larger part on top to keep it from pulling out of there, and the nut on the bottom. No worries.

I see what your saying, but what i'm worried about is that the joint would have a few millimeters of play if it pops upwards even though the lower nut will prevent it from comming off.
This will create enough force on the boot of the CV joint to rip! There's not enough clearance for that kinda play. I just hope that it stays pressed in and don't shift with road conditions or else i'll be having alot of cv boots replaced!

**YK86** · 10-23-2002, 04:01 PM

What kind did you get?? I recently replaced mine with an aftermarket brand but it was the same company that makes it for Honda but it was repackaged by a different company so I lucked out. Anyways, mine had the c clip.

**GreenMachine** · 10-23-2002, 07:33 PM

I'll double check mine this weekend (cause i have to drop the tranny ) because when i did mine, I belive that mine didn't have a clip either.

**OldSchoolSwap** · 10-23-2002, 08:25 PM

Originally posted by YK86
What kind did you get?? I recently replaced mine with an aftermarket brand but it was the same company that makes it for Honda but it was repackaged by a different company so I lucked out. Anyways, mine had the c clip.

OEM Honda

edit.... P/N: 51220-SK7-013

**ACCORD EX** · 10-24-2002, 12:42 AM

when i was buying an aftermarket one it didn't has any grooves !

MIKE

**markmdz89hatch** · 10-24-2002, 06:41 AM

I just replaced mine, and I had the clip, and everything looked identical to OEM, with the exception of the fact that the boot on the joint was blue instead of black. WTF??

But yeah, Juan, I've seen that tapered type many times in the past, and have not yet heard of any trouble with them. You should be fine if you use them. Just pay close attention to the ride and feel of them for a few days, and every now and then, take a peek at 'em to make sure that they're staying put. If they're gonna go anywhere, they'll do it within the first few days.

**1987HondaAccord** · 12-09-2002, 07:03 PM

I recently bought a few ball joints. but instead of having the hole in the shaft for the cotter pin and castlated nut it was solid. Can i get them at NOPI.com? Winter vacation is comming up so i will have lots of time to work on them.:

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