"Ben Bowes" <bowes@physics.utexas.edu> wrote in message
news:bc0f615b.0312082128.659ade91@posting.google.c om...
> Hello,
>
> I have a 94 Accord EX that is having some front suspension issues.
> Currently, I know that both tie-rod end ball joints have gone bad, as
> well as the sway bar bushings.

I too have a '94 Accord...mine has 135k miles on it.

> My Question is: Does this indicate that the other front joints and
> bushings are also near the end of their lifetime? Parts in question
> are the upper and lower ball joints on the steering knuckle, the
> radius rod bushing, lower arm bushing and damper fork bushing.
> The car has ~120k miles on it.

Typically, yes.

> Should I also replace the parts in question that have not yet failed?

"Failed" is subjective. They are most definitely worn, but how much depends
on a lot of different factors.

If you are having a shop do the work, you might want to consider having it
all done, as it will save you some labor costs in the long run.

> Any experience with how much longer these parts will last?

As stated, depends.

Hard driving, hard cornering, rough roads, hard stops, will all contribute
to the life of a suspension and its components.

> Considerations:
>
> 1) Baring unforseen T-bones, I want to keep this car for another 5
> years (if not 10).

Me too.

> 2) Paying less up front is better, to me, than paying more over the
> next 1 - 1.5 years.

Then just do it.

> 3) I know that if the lower ball joint is replaced I also get to buy
> new wheel bearings. (yay!)

Yup.

> 4) The car is lowered ~1.5inches using Neuspeed Sport springs and Koni
> struts. I have driven about 40k miles since I lowered it.

Ouch!

> I'm considering doing this work myself. I know I'll need to get the
> special ball joint tools and small press to put the bearing over the
> axle. I would have a local shop press the bearing into the hub and
> press the rubber bushings into the lower arm. Any thoughts on this?
> How long do you think this would take to do?

Depends on your mechanical skills, and how comfortable you are tacking such
a job.

>
> I appreciate any suggestions/comments that you might have about this
> problem.
>
> Thanks!
>
> ben bowes
> bowes@physics.utexas.edu


--
'03 S2000
'94 Accord

It's just about going fast...that's all...

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