I took the plunge and ordered the parts. We're hoping to get the work done
this weekend. I printed 40 pages of information on the front suspension from
the 1994 Accord workshop manual.

Her dad has replaced the axles on that car before, so I believe the tear
down will be similar. He also has a ball joint seperator tool already. We're
going to do the loaner program from Autozone for the ball joint
remover/installer.

Up next is going to be new tires all around and an alignment. Hopefully it
will drive a lot better after this work. I'll update this thread after the
work.


"Butternut Squash" <rxrx@yamama.com> wrote in message
news:7Y4ig.152630$Fs1.29853@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> jqoutlaw@gmail.com wrote:
>
>> I posted last week about a 1994 Accord EX with 235K+ miles that needed
>> suspension/alignment/steering work. It is tugging and jerking the wheel
>> up to around 40Mph, then a had vibration around 50-55, then a constant
>> vibration to about 80Mph. Any transition in speed will cause a
>> vibrationa as well. Oddly, if you go into a corner the vibration stops
>> while turning at speed, but resumes when you get straight. The
>> condition is getting worse, and I'm afraid it is getting pretty
>> dangerous to drive.
>>
>> With the mileage, I'm guessing its the ball joints. The car is showing
>> its in alignment, but its wearing the inside of both front tires.
>>
>> I figure a lot of bushings are worn out up front as well, and found
>> this auction on ebay:
>>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/94-97...QQcmdZViewItem
>>
>> For around 160$ shipped this looks like a steal, but wanted to see if
>> anyone had any input on it. Wouldn't it be easier to just replace all
>> these parts at one time while the front end is apart?
>>
>> Do you think it would be a tough job for a DIY'er. I have access to a
>> lot of tools, impact wrenchs, etc... , but not a lift.
>
> With that many miles if may be worth it to replace the whole front end if
> you plan to drive the car another year. You won't reget it.
>
> I replace the suspension on my 87 accord and it drove and handled like new
> until I sold it. If I can do the work, then anyone can. Order the parts
> online, take the control arms to a machine shop to push out the bushings.
> replace all the rubber and upper and lower ball joints.
>
> The lower ball joints are pressed into the knuckle. You can either get a
> ball joint press or take the knuckle to the shop as well. That's what I
> did.
>
> Make sure you check the bushings on the radius arm as well
>
> Reassemble and enjoy. I never regretted the work I did once. The only
> thing
> I wish I did differently is that I did all the work in one shot.