Ball Joint Boot Inspection/Replacement

Special Tools Required 

Tie-Rod Boots Driver, 37.8 mm 07974-6790001

Lower Arm 

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

   • If the ball joint boot is damaged and leaks grease, replace the lower arm (see LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
   • If the ball joint boot is weak and cracked but does not leak grease, go to step  2. Replace the ball joint boot.
2. Remove the lower arm (see LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
3. Remove the ball joint boot (A).
   NOTE: Be careful not to damage the mating surface with ball joint boot of ball joint housing (B).
   Fig 1: Identifying Ball Joint Boot, Ball Joint Boot Lip, Ball Joint Housing And Boot-To-Lower Arm Mating Surfaces

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
4. Pack the interior and lip (C) of a new ball joint boot with grease. Keep the grease off of the ball joint boot-to-lower arm mating surfaces (D).
   NOTE: Use the grease that comes with the ball joint kit.
5. Pack fresh grease into the base (E). Do not let dirt or other foreign materials get into the ball joint boot.
6. Install the ball joint boot (A) using the tie-rod boots driver by hand. The ball joint boot must not have a gap at the ball joint boot installation sections (B).
   • Press the ball joint boot on a clean shop towel (C).
   • After installing the ball joint boot on the ball joint, squeeze it gently to force out any air, then wipe the grease off the tapered portion of the ball joint pin (D).
   • After installing the ball joint boot, check the ball pin tapered section for grease contamination, and wipe it if necessary.
     Fig 2: Identifying Ball Joint Boot, Ball Joint Pin And Shop Towel

     Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
7. Install the lower arm (see LOWER ARM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).