Automotive Repair Taking The Path Of Least Resistance

 

Since we deal with automotive tools and write auto tech articles we are often asked what tool is needed to do a certain job. Just recently I was contacted by a regular customer that was attempting to change a CV joint (constant velocity joint) in their Honda Odyssey. This customer was stumped on how to break loose the lower ball joint without damaging the grease boot. He thought that using a ball joint fork may damage the lower ball joint’s grease boot. He had called the local parts store but, his words “they didn’t have a clue what he was talking about”. He called the dealer to price the ball joint in case he damaged it while using the ball joint fork. He found out that the ball joint was expensive and would require more specialty tools to change if he damaged it. This customer had read some of our technical repair articles previously, including the one on Honda timing belt tips and the use of the honda crank pulley tool, he decided to contact us for advice when he couldn’t seem to get the lower ball joint to separate to remove the CV 1/2 shaft. He had explained that he attempted this job a couple of weeks ago but was unable to get the ball joint loose. He was at it again and wanted suggestions on what tool he could use to break the ball joint away from the spindle so he could get the CV shaft out for replacement. He was looking at all sorts of pullers on-line that he thought would work without damaging the lower ball joint’s grease boot. I personally have changed many of these Honda CV’s so I knew exactly what to tell him to try. I told him to take the path of least resistance. Since he was not changing the lower ball joint I suggested breaking the upper ball joint loose to allow the removal of the CV shaft. The upper is much easier to access and break loose.

1. Remove upper ball joint cotter pin and remove the nut.

2. Turn the nut over and thread it down until the nut and stud are flush. This protects the threads in case of accidental striking.

3. Strike the spindle with a hammer while applying slight upward pressure on the upper control arm.

About an hour passed and I was contacted again. Our customer had finished the job taken a shower and just wanted us to know how thankful he was that we were able to help. I asked that when he makes his next auto tool purchase that he thinks of us.

Disclaimer: Repair tips are designed for informational purposes only, without warranty of any kind, in no event shall the author of this article be liable for any consequential, incidental or direct damages sustained in the course of using the information.