Yes, the load should be taken off the lower control arm to check the
load-carrying ball joint (lower).

But Jim -- it's interesting that the non-load-carrying upper joints
were giving you more problems. If these don't run dry, I would think
they'll outlast the lower joints. No?


On Apr 7, 7:16*pm, jim beam <retard-fin...@bad.example.net> wrote:
> you need to get under the car and check stuff out. *check all bolts are
> tightened properly, check things like sway bar bushings are ok, then
> check ball joints. *i've actually had more problems with upper joints
> than lower on civics, so check yours on the accord. *jack the vehicle up
> under the lower swing arm until the wheel is just off the ground, then
> lever under the wheel with a crow bar. *you should be able to see or
> feel looseness if any exists. *this works better if you have an
> assistant carefully do this while you hold a joint - you can definitely
> feel any looseness then.