QuestionThis is my girlfriend's car with 366000 miles. It recently developed an obnoxiously loud creaking/squeaking sound in the front suspension that I can hear when she's driving the car 2 blocks away. It's a little embarrasing, it's more noticeable on the left front side and I can hear the noise when pressing down on the left front fender. I was suspicious about the left lower balljoint, and found it was loose when I pried between the ball joint & control arm with a crow bar. I did that with the car on jackstands, but no jack or other support beneath the control arm.
So unless you think I'm wrong, my conclusion is that balljoint needs to be replaced & is likely causing the noise.
As far as replacing it, I've rented a balljoint press & Honda adapter set from Auto Zone but wanted to see if there's anything special I should be aware of before doing this.
I also have a few procedure questions. Will I need to remove the brake rotor/hub, or are those steps not necessary since I have the press set & won't be removing the steering knuckle? Also, do I still need to disconnect the lower control arm from the balljoint with a puller, or does the press accomplish that too?
If it's helpful, I'm trying to include a website link to Auto Zone so you can see the tools I've rented.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/parts/partsShelf.jsp?displayName=Ball+J...
Last question, assuming my diagnosis sounds reasonable, with the balljoint disconnected from the steering knuckle & control arm, do I need to support any of those with a jack, or is just having the car on jack stands sufficient?
I've only replaced a lower balljoint once. That was about 15 years ago on an older Toyota. I don't remember much of how I did it except the set up was different & replacing the entire control arm was the only option.
So, I'd be grateful for any special tips or insight you could give me. I'd really like to do it right the first time so my girlfriend won't be mad at me. Thank you in advance!
Answer It sounds like you have an understanding of what needs to be done. The only real support you'll need is to have that side of the car on jackstands. The rotor won't need to be removed to press the lower ball joint apart. Check the sway bar link bushings and replace any cracked ones. Also,lubricate the sway bar support bushings that are secured the beam that houses the power steering rack.
