Much obliged for this message Tegger! I was actually going to call
the mechanic tommorow, so I'm glad I checked on here tonight first.

I actually have a Civic, not Accord, but a search shows a TSB for the
2001-2005 Civic exists as well (04-079). Further google search
shows that some District Managers MIGHT repair the ball joint free,
even out of warranty. I'm not crossing my fingers but it's worth a
shot...


>
> No idea if "martin lynch" will ever check in on this thread again (I hope
> he does, if he hasn't got the work done yet), but I just discovered
> something:
>
> Honda had issued a TSB (06-035) which says that Honda has new ball joints
> that may be installed into existing steering knuckles on SOME '98-'02
> Accords, obviating the need to replace the entire knuckle. The new ball
> joint part number is 06523-S84-405. The TSB outlines the exact installation
> procedure, which may be performed without removing the knuckle from the
> car.
>
> It seems premature ball joint wear is a known issue on these cars. The
> original ball joint has a different part number from its replacement,
> suggesting different fit, product improvement, or both.
>
> --
> Tegger
>
> The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQwww.tegger.com/hondafaq/