How To Replace Ball Joints and Tie Rod Ends Honda Element/CRV

This is a pretty straightforward repair video. The real trick here is the method. I use a special tool that you can purchase or rent to get the job done. It makes things a lot easier, and it will allow you to do the replacement on the car, even though I remove the knuckle in this video.

If you wanted to use a Honda replacement part, this video does show you how to remove the knuckle/hub assembly so that you can do that. However, it would be a lot less expensive to just replace the ball joint as I demonstrate in this video.

Thanks for watching!

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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.  Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy®.

[marqgunderson]

Many people can fix cars well. Many people can make good instructional videos. But not many people can make good, accurate, complete, yet not-too-lengthy videos on how to perform car repair. I appreciate your dedicated work.

[lucasdeby]

Great video! I replaced my 2006 Honda CRV; lower ball joints, tie-rod ends and struts. This video helped me to get the job done, thank you!

[roberttaylor]

Thanks, Eric! I don’t have a vice, so I bolted the knuckle to the brake rotor and stepped on it. Ball joint was out and new one installed in like 5 min.

[jasonmorrill]

Eric - this video was exactly what I needed. The lower ball joint of my '03 Element was shot and buying a $270 knuckle from the dealer wasn't going to happen. Thankfully Pepboys had the Moog ball joint and I rented their ball joint tool. Took some work, had to weld the old ball joint stub in place so it wouldn't wobble but it all worked out!

[steffydog]

Boom, back to the good old days, a one ETCG

[beaudavenport]

Super helpful video. My ball joint wouldn't budge, even using that remover tool from the auto store. I ended up (very carefully) beating it out with a hammer. One of the very few times where brute force did the trick.

[JasonSimonSmith]

Hey for what it's worth.. just did this job on my '03 Element - using a similar ball joint/bearing press tool - and you can remove the end of the threaded 'pusher' part - so it becomes a 'sleeve' over the end of the lower part of the ball joint.

In any event, thank you Eric for the content you put out.. has saved me thousands in repair work .. being empowered to do it myself..

Cheers from Wisconsin !

[jeff]

I borrowed a press from Advanced the first time. The second time I needed a press, I purchased one from ebay for $39. I've since used it not only on ball joints but u-joints as well. It's nice having it on hand. Excellent video!

[jfeeble]

You've kept my 04 crv healthy for years. Thought it was time to say thanks for this series.

[inazuma--w]

Eric brilliant video, told to go and buy a complete control arm by my garage only to see your video showing that the ball joint is attached to the hub casting assy, you saved me a few quid there, you are very clear and great communication thro the video, thanks bud, Chris, worcestershire uk.

[fernandomadrid]

I have learned a lot from your videos Eric. Thank you one of many loyal

[Regal_Civic]

Thank you Eric as always your videos are the best on YouTube you are a professional in film and mechanics . I don't even own this model or vintage Honda but I'm watching this video to learn about replacing ball joints.

[jacobbell]

"a few taps here will do the trick"
*proceeds to full on smash the arm with a sledge*

funny how i've been ignoring the bad lower ball joints on my crv then you post this. i was not looking forward to buying a whole new knuckle, good to know i can just press this in without much headache.

great video

[JazzyJasTruckingzz]

Its actually really great to watch this because I haven't worked around a ball joint in a while

[deseremere]

God bless you, Eric, very helpful. Got brave enough after watching your videos and did my CR-V ball joint today. Rented the tool from Advanced auto, but had to buy impact wrench from Harbor Freight - spinning it with breaker bar was not working for me . My 5 gallon compressor is good enough to make it run for 20 sec, and it was all what was needed! Thank you very much, Sir.

[everydayfixer]

if you do not have impact tools, you can also get a second person to hold down the break pedal while you use a breaker bar on the axle nut.

[mr.nobody]

Eric is getting his old swagger back with every repair being done excellent video. A + Rating Keep up the good work.

[AlextheguitarFreak]

thank you so much for this video! it couldn't have come at a better time, i have a 2003 Honda CR-V and it needs both of these parts replaced, now i'm not going into the repair hoping there is no technical details that i don't know of that will make this near impossible to do. In other words thanks for the confidence boost!

[zeroised]

Great video Eric. Always useful to those of us trying to keep a Honda of that generation on the road.

Those sensors are an absolute PITA. While changing out the bearings I had the bolt heads snap right off both front sensors. I've completely given up removing them while doing work and even went as far as notching out a press plate so I could press out the remaining two rear bearings with the sensor staying in place.

[unknowableknown]

anyone ever tell you you have the same domineer as george clooney, very plesent to watch you work and you never get mad.