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97 acural CL 3.0
Yep so lucky me, I get to replace the upper control arms on my Acura (bad ball joints). Boy are they sloppy when I try to move them.
I checked the lower ball joints and they SEEM ok mostly. I checked them by prying between the knuckle and lower control arm. Hard to tell if I am getting any real movement on the passenger side. As they are pressed in, is there any other type of check needed besides “play”? They seem pretty flush at the top of each knuckle, though I am not sure where the exact “flush” point is.
Now about the rear suspension, I have not really had a chance to do an honest inspection but is there anything back there that could let loose and cause the wheel to basically fall off? I looked around youtube and the web and everything concentrates on the front suspension.
So then – are the front lower ball joints “good” if no play, and what disasters could await in the back?
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I’m well versed in replacing lower ball joints.
I’ve done 6 on my civic. (Long funny story, tell you sometime)
Whenever installing them striking the back with a hammer, the sound it makes on the strike makes a very noticeable change once the joint is properly seated. “‘Ting Ting Ting Ting, THUNK THUNK.’ OK, its in”
I always was told how loose it is and how easily movable by hand was the indication of its health. New ones a hard when out of the vehicle and two moderately strong hands. Ones that are creaking usually can be moved with a finger, also you shouldn’t be able to spin the ball in the joint by its stud.
Don’t forget to lookup the torque specs and torque everything properly.
Also check for any glazing on the lower control arm where the balljoints stud goes through, if there is any its bad and I think I read that the LCA must be replaced if you find glazing.
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