Acura 53010-STX-A01 Ball Joint Set

Lift the vehicle's front, secure it on jack stands, apply the parking brake and block rear wheels. Use a pry bar to check for movement between the ball joint and steering knuckle. If movement is detected, the ball joint is worn. Have an assistant move the tire top in-and-out while you touch the ball joint stud nut. If looseness is felt, replace the ball joint and possibly the steering knuckle. Separate the control arm from the steering knuckle and try to twist the stud. If it turns, replace the ball joint. If the dust boot is damaged, replace it. Grease the base of the ball joint stud, push the new dust boot onto the ball joint, and reattach the ball joint to the knuckle. Tighten the ball joint stud castle nut, install a new lock clip, and reattach the wheel. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts.

Thread the tie-rod end onto the tie-rod to the marked position and connect the tie-rod end to the steering arm. Install the nut on the ball stud and tighten it to the torque. Install a new cotter pin. If necessary, tighten the nut a little more to allow insertion of the cotter pin. Never loosen the nut to align the cotter pin holes.