Ball Joint Boot Inspection/Replacement

Special Tool Required 

• Clip Guide, 44 mm 07GAG-SD40700

1. Check the ball joint boot for weakness, damage, cracks, and grease leaks.
   NOTE:

   • If the ball joint boot is damaged with grease leaks, replace the appropriate part as an assembly.
   • If the ball joint boot is soft and cracked without grease leaks, go to step 2. Replace the appropriate ball joint boot.
2. Disconnect the appropriate ball joint connection, and remove the component including the ball joint:
   • The front lower arm (see LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION )
   • The rear upper arm (see UPPER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION )
3. Paint a alignment mark (A) in the center between the both boot clip end faces (B) on the appropriate part (C).
   Fig 1: Identifying Alignment Marks

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
4. Remove the boot clip and the boot.
5. Pack the interior and lip (A) of a new boot with grease. Keep the grease off of the boot-to-knuckle mating surfaces (B).
   NOTE: When the ball joint boot and the grease are bundled, use the bundled grease.
   Fig 2: Packing Interior & Lip With Grease

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
6. Pack fresh grease into the base (C). Do not let dirt or other foreign materials get into the boot.
7. Install the boot on the ball joint, then squeeze it gently to force out any air, then wipe the grease off the tapered portion of the ball joint pin (D).
8. Adjust the clip guide with the adjusting bolt (A) until its base is just above the groove around (B) the bottom of the boot. Then slide the clip (C) over the clip guide and into position on the boot.
   Fig 3: Ball Joint Boot Clip Guide With Adjusting Bolt

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
9. Align the center between the both end faces of the boot clip to alignment mark of the appropriate part.
10. After installing a boot, wipe any grease off the exposed portion of the ball joint pin.
11. Install all of the removed parts.