How to Replace Front Lower Ball Joint 06-11 Honda Civic
Difficulty: Advanced · About 100 min · Honda Civic
Replace a front lower ball joint on a 2006–2011 Honda Civic by separating the steering knuckle, fitting the joint into the arm, and securing it with a new cotter pin.
Tools you will need
- Socket Extensions
- Torque Wrench
- Rust Penetrant
- Pry Bar
- Paper Towels
- Jack Stands
- Complete Metric Wrench Set
- Ratchet
- Floor Jack
- Needle nose pliers
- 1/2 Inch Breaker Bar
- Complete Metric Socket Set
Parts and supplies
- Front lower ball joint
- Cotter pin
- Wheel lug nuts
Steps
Raise the vehicle and remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts on the ground, then lift the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the wheel to reach the lower ball joint.
Separate the old ball joint
Straighten and remove the cotter pin, then loosen the castle nut. Use a suitable separator to release the joint from the knuckle and carefully pry the joint free from the control arm.
Fit the replacement joint
Clean the control arm mating area and install the new joint in the correct orientation. Seat it fully, start its retaining fasteners, and connect the stud to the knuckle.
Secure the joint and cotter pin
Tighten the joint fasteners to the vehicle's specifications. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and stud, then bend its ends to retain it.
Reinstall the wheel and verify
Refit the wheel, start the lug nuts by hand, and lower the vehicle. Torque the nuts in a crossing pattern to specification, then check that the brake pedal feels normal before driving.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.