i replaced the axles on my 96 hatch. when i separated the ball joint i tore the boot and all the lube leaked out. the question is can i just replace the joint or do i need the entire spindle? any help is greatly appreciated!

THANKS!

 

you're talkin about the lower ball joint right?

 

yes

 

just replace the boot if nothing wrong with the ball joint. Why spend the xtra money.

 

well the stud spins when i try to put the castle nut on. so i figure that i need to replace the thing but do i need to get the whole spindle or just the joint? and can i put the joint in by myself or do i have to get a shop to do it?

 

you can just get the joint...its like $20....you can hammer it out and sometimes hammer them in.....some hondas iv been able to hammer and others iv had to pay a shop to press in....

 

If the joint spins when the castle nut goes on, I just push the joint in harder until it's held enough to get the castle nut back on.........no big deal. If the joint is loose enough to turn/rotate it by hand, replace the joint.

You can get some replacement ball joint boots at Pep Boys.
They come in bubble packs with a red background that says "Help".
Next time, contact me. I have the tool that pops joints out of the control arm, (or tie rod ends) without destroying the rubber boot.

I also pop them loose when I do a free ball joint test for people.
I show them the difference between a good joint and a bad one,
and they can SEE if they need replacing or not......I DON'T do the
"shake 'em and sell 'em" trick.

Only when the b-joint is welded in (usually to the top a-arm, if at all)
only when welded, do you need to replace the arm. If it's the spindle end,
most times it is pressed in or has a snap ring. If you need a hydraulic press, get back with me. I have one.-Bob

 

deff for me like a 5 lb sledge + angry person = ball joint out

 

or a regular hammer + REALLY angry person = ball joint out