Okay, so I am in the process of replacing my lower ball joints (with oem Acura), and I notice that the new ball joint does not seat the circlip snug against the knuckle like the old one. You can see in the picture where the old ball joint (without the boot) has a seat for the circlip, and the new one doesn’t, it just has a taper to it.
This gives about 2 mm between the circlip and the ball joint seat on the knuckle when installed, and also doesn’t seat the circlip, except against a rubber boot which doesn’t seem that great.
My question is this: has anyone gotten this new joint? And does anyone see a problem with the new design? It will probably be fine since Acura usually knows what they are doing, but I’m paranoid about it unseating.
any updates on how it went with the new style ball joints? I’m in the same predicament now; i thought i got the wrong part. no circlips seems a little scary, seems like road pounding work them loose over time?
I realize this thread is very old but just figured I’d bump it to see if there’s anyone else with any more “long term” experience with the newer design of OEM balljoints. Just like the OP I’m a bit concerned with the fact that the new design doesn’t incorporate the circlip to prevent it lifting up.
I appreciate the response Sean, thanks! I’m sure Honda knows what they’re doing but I really don’t understand why the change to that design. Kinda seems like they went the wrong way and under-engineered it.
Only other brand I would consider would be buddy club but those are extended LBJs/roll center adjusters not just factory replacements. There’s a lot of controversy about whether they actually do what they advertise that they do though so OEM was my choice.
They definitely are a tight fit. Even though i heated the knuckle and pulled the ball joints straight from the freezer I still deformed a large C clamp squeezing them in.
