Front Lower Ball Joint Dented back, Hammered in place

[wisdom62]

Hey everyone, here is my issue. I am replacing my suspension and found out I received the wrong oem ball joint. They sent me ones for a 92 auto i guess. They don't have the slot for the clip.

Anyways, Called the dealer, they didn't have any correct ones in stock so I went and got some Moog ball joints.

I had a hell of time getting it into the knuckle and in the process of hammering it in I have dented the back plate pretty good. From this I have notice the ball joint is now very firm from the back plate pushing against the joint I assume.

I didn't think this was good but need your opinions. I'm assuming this will add extra stress but maybe not. Do I need to replace it and get it professional installed so it doesn't get dented?

Any Advice is greatly appreciated. I have not attempted to install the other one yet.

Hammered to hell


New One



Thanks,
Josh

[Tippey764]

If you bought the ball joint from honda then it will never have the clip

They modified the design to no longer include it

I never reinstall those evil clips, they're not needed, the lower control arm pushes down onto the lower balljoint nut holding it into place, the force is a downward force so it will never slip out. Honda obviously figured this out which is why it doesn't have the clip anymore.


And when i hammer mine in i always dent the fuck out of them and still use them anyways.

[wisdom62]

Interesting, Then I might have bought the Moog for No reason then. Darn.

Here is the Part # of the Honda Ball Joint 51220-S84-305. There is no slot for clip, but like you said they revised the design i guess.

The Moog ones still have a clip.

I was thinking it may be okay also, just not sure about what stress it may add. Really don't want a ball joint to snap.

[wisdom62]

I did some searching and I see that the new ball joints do not come with a snap ring groove.

I also found that I should have rented a ball joint press from the auto store. I will be making a stop by there shortly.

I will probably hammer out the brand new Moog ball joint that I just I pretty much destroyed and use the new OEM ones. I can at least return the unused Moog one.

Honestly didn't think this was going to be such a pain.

[Losiracer2]

take that ball joint out now! you screwed it up. You should never hammer on the back of the balljoint.

They make presses for a reason. I just rent the Autozone one, looks like a big C-clamp that gently presses it into the knuckle.

[wisdom62]

Yea, I realize I was wrong to hammer the hell out of it.

I did go a get the Ball Joint press tool from Autozone. Live and learn I guess. First time attempt at ball joints.

Thanks everyone for the help. Having the right tools is the only way to go.

[wildBill83]

I freeze the ball joint and heat the knuckle with a torch and use an air hammer and it goes in like butter. I have also used the press but the adapters piss me off.

[toycar]

The adapters are tricky to figure out, but in my opinion using a press is the only way to go.

If you have issues with the rented press post pictures. I or we can help you figure it out.

You'll need the honda adapter kit too.