I own a 2004 Civic LX Sedan 1.7 SOHC 5sp - Ive got a nasty squeaky noise coming from the front end. I thought it was a bushing at first until i noticed that the ball joint boot was ripped and was oozing the grease - I need to replace this ASAP. My question is this -

1. Can I purchase just the Ball Joint or Do I need to replace the whole Knuckle ( i would prefer to replace the whole knuckle?)

2. When Replacing the Ball Joints, is an alignment required afterwards?

3. Is a press require in re-installing the ball joints (if you purchase the ball joint alone?)

4. Any special tools / tricks of the trades - you guys can give?

Your help would be greatly appreciated, thanks for your time!!

 

Is the leak coming from the dust boot for the tie rod attached to the steering gearbox? If so, check whether the power steering fluid level is low. Fixing such a leak possibly would require replacing the gearbox itself.

If the leak is coming from the CV axle boot, then the fix typically is to replace the entire axle.