Needs front low ball joint service. Advice?

[Erin]

1997 Acura CL 3.0

So the job doesnt look too bad according to Eric’s and a couple other videos.

Remove upper and lower ball joint connections, tie rod remove, unbolt ABS wire, remove brake caliper, and dislodge axle. At least THEN one can work on the bench where you can actually stand up like a human being instead of crawling around on the floor like a slug. :dry:

Here is my main concern – Just how easily does that particular axle (hondas at least) dislodge? On some cars, it is hopeless (like the ford contour). My axle LOOKS clean all around but does that necessarily mean good news?

The passenger side moves a tiny bit when prying, hence the need to replace. Drivers side – not at all.

BOTH sides seem to be missing the lower snap ring. In fact the driver’s side looks like it was not pushed in all the way, like it could go in about 1/2 the thickness of a dime.
Is there any reason it would be missing snap rings?

Topic

[college man]

I don’t think you will have a problem getting the axles out.
As for the ball joint snap rings. either someone did not put them
back or they rusted off.

[Author]

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