I just installed my lower front ball joints and am not sure if I did it correctly. I pushed the ball joint through the steering knuckle but when i went to push the ball joint through the control arm, only the bolt goes through, and not the additional rubber on the ball joint...

Should that rubber be going through the control arm as well or only the bolt? I've been driving around and it doesn't seem to be an issue, but it just appeared a bit funny with the rubber sandwiched (and folded) between the steering knuckle and control arm.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

Just the bolt lol. Did you compare it to the other side, or remember what it looked like before being taken apart?

 

Haha wow i actually did something right! Um yeah the previous bolt was mangled and not in very good shape.. There was no stiffness in the joint itself and the ball would very freely just roll around in the joint with no rubber grommet or whatever its called.

Sweet! And all to save a few bucks from the stealership... 580 quote to 58 total in expense (30 for both balljoints, plus breaker bar, 32mm socket, and 22mm socket)

Just looked kinda funny with the rubber between the steering knuckle and control arm... was kinda folded asymetrically around bolt ... guess thats normal

the important thing is that it doesnt drive funny ... local autozone said id know if i installed i incorrectly haha

 

It's supposed to be that way. The rubber keeps dirt out of the ball and socket part.

Make sure you have the snap ring (part #8 in this diagram) in place properly, so the joint can't move up and down.
Honda Automotive Parts

 

damn yeah i didnt put part 8. i wasnt sure what it was for... is it really likely to slip out that easy? i feel like that snap ring would just pop off it the ball joint really wanted to move anywhere...

im also positive the OEM ball joint didnt have one... or it did and it came off but it was definitely in there really snug and tough to get out the steering knuckle

 

I'd definitely go back and put that snap ring on. You do not want your suspension falling apart while driving.

 

I didnt see a groove for it... is it suppose to just wrap around the rubber part? flush against the bottom of the steering knuckle?

 

I was also thinking, i dont think it can just fall apart as long as i have the castle nut and cotter pin in . And there is definitely no groove or anything to put this snap ring that i can detect.

 

/Figured out why there is no groove on the one already in and its because the boot came off which was the support for the bottom half of the groove... in this case, I guess i'm not installing it... I could just replace it again but I'm going to try to install a bj on the other side and see if the same thing happens... if not, the groove will be there and i'll do my best getting the clip in place

its a pretty strong clip, and suggestions getting it on?