Hey guys,
Im installing some lowering springs and have a question. How do I get the spring and shock out from the control arms. Im ready the shop manual and It says to pop the ball joint, then un bolt the 2 nuts in the engine bay, then the main bolt down below. I got the castle nut off but my "pickle fork" for the ball joint isnt as wide as i need and Im in fear of ripping the rubber, then replacing the ball joint. How did, would you guys do it?




I tried disconnecting the stabilizer bar from the stabilizer from that bolt and it just kept spinning. Later I read that you need to use a wrench and a alen wrench. I figure this might drop the lower control arm allowing me to get the assembly out.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISY8bGof3bQ
I don't know if this will work on the S but it works on my teg. Notice the 3/8 ratchet handle stuck behind the ball joint. The handle works as a pivot to spread the pieces. You may have to put your foot on the rotor and push a little after it goes down, but it usually pops right off. Oh yeah, throw the fork away, get a honda style ball joint tool, or use this trick. A pickle fork can really screw up a honda ball joint. Good luck!

 

thanks for the add. any way to get the picture to work?

I called honda and they said they dont sell a ball joint tool.
Yea, i was thinking the pickle fork might jack something up.

 

Did you look at the DIY instructions in the FAQ?

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=303417

 

The best way is to remove the two A arm bolts. Super easy and the shock will come right out.

 

Im too slow to post

 

Exactly what he said ^^^^



Remove the two labeled bolts and that should make the upper control arm move freely giving you space to take out strut. No need to remove ball joint...too much work...

 

Oops! That's a Youtube link. Just paste it into your address bar. The "URL" function didn't work for me.

 

Don't mess with the ball joints front or rear.

For front:

-Take the bolt out that holds the ABS wire harness to the body. You will easily break the wires internally if you don't.

-Remove the bolt that holds the brake hose to the shock.

-remove the two upper top hat nuts and lower shock bolt.

-remove the two upper A-arm bolts that the guys have circled.

 

Awesome guys, I never thought of this. Ill have to try this tomorrow!