Honda Civic Service Manual: Front Lower Ball Joint Removal and Installation

1.

Raise the vehicle on a lift, and make sure it is securely supported.

1.

Remove the front wheel.

1.

Remove the flange bolt (A).

2.

Remove the flange nuts (B).

3.

Disconnect the lower ball joint (C) from the lower arm.

1.

Pry up the stake (A) on the spindle nut (B).

2.

Remove the spindle nut.

1.

Separate the outboard joint from the front hub using a soft face hammer.

2.

Pull the knuckle outward, and separate the outboard joint from the front hub.

1.

Install a hex nut (A) or the ball joint thread protector.

NOTE: When using a hex nut, make sure the nut is flush with the ball joint pin end to prevent damage to the threaded end of the ball joint pin.

2.

Apply grease to the ball joint remover on the areas shown (A).

3.

Install the ball joint remover as shown.

NOTE:

4.

Tighten the pressure bolt until the ball joint pin pops loose from the ball joint connecting hole.

NOTE: Do not use pneumatic or electric tools on the pressure bolt.

5.

Remove the ball joint remover.

6.

Remove the hex nut or the ball joint thread protector.

7.

Pull the ball joint out of the ball joint connecting hole.

1.

Remove the lock pin (A).

2.

Remove the castle nut (B).

3.

Remove the lower ball joint (C).

1.

Install the lower ball joint (A).

2.

Install the new castle nut (B).

NOTE: Torque the castle nut to the lower torque specification, then tighten it only far enough to align the slot with the ball joint pin hole. Do not align the castle nut by loosening it.

3.

Install the lock pin (C) as shown.

1.

Apply about 5 g (0.18 oz) of moly 60 paste (P/N 08734-0001) to the contact area (A) of the outboard joint and the front wheel bearing.

NOTE: The paste helps to prevent noise and vibration.

2.

Install the outboard joint (A) into the front hub (B) on the knuckle.

1.

Apply a small amount of engine oil to the seating surface of a new spindle nut (A).

2.

Install the spindle nut.

3.

Use a drift to stake the spindle nut shoulder (B) against the driveshaft.

1.

Connect the lower ball joint (A) to the lower arm.

2.

Install the new flange nuts and the new flange bolt in the sequence shown.

1.

Install the front wheel.

NOTE: Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces between the brake disc and the inside of the wheel.

For proper inspection and adjustment of the wheel alignment, do these checks:

1.

Release the parking brake to avoid an incorrect measurement.

2.

Make sure the suspension is not modified.

3.

Make sure the fuel tank is full, and that the tire repair kit, the spare tire, the jack, and the tools are in place on the vehicle.

4.

Check the tire size and tire pressure according to tire information.

Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

1.

Check the caster angle.

USA and Canada models

Mexico models

Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

1.

Check the camber angle.

USA and Canada models

Mexico models

Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

1.

Set the steering column to the middle tilt position and telescopic positions.

2.

Center the steering wheel spokes, and install a steering wheel holder tool.

3.

Check the toe with the wheels pointed straight ahead.

Front toe-in: 0±2 mm (0±0.08 in)

Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

Except '12 models

1.

Turn the wheel right and left while applying the brake, and measure the turning angle of both wheels.

USA and Canada models

Mexico models

2.

If the measurement is not within the specifications, even up both sides of the tie-rod threaded section length while adjusting the front toe.

3.

If it is correct, but the turning angle is not within the specifications, check for bent or damaged suspension components.

'12 models

1.

Turn the wheel right and left while applying the brake, and measure the turning angle of both wheels.

USA and Canada models

Mexico models

2.

If the measurement is not within the specifications, even up both sides of the tie-rod threaded section length while adjusting the front toe.

3.

If it is correct, but the turning angle is not within the specifications, check for bent or damaged suspension components.