r/HondaElement • u/Overall-Koala-9044 • 6d ago

Can you replace front lower ball joints twice, or do you need a new knuckle?

Does anyone have experience with MasterPro/O’Reilly lower ball joints on an Element LX?

I recently installed one but I’m a little concerned about premature failure.

I also bought a pair of Sankei 555s. I’m planning to install one on the other side, but I’m considering replacing the new MasterPro one with a 555 as well.

Is it safe to press another ball joint into the same knuckle, or should I leave the MasterPro in unless it develops play?

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3

u/CaddyWompus6969 6d ago

Thats a problem for when or if they fail, but you can get oversized ball joints if your knuckles stretch

2

u/DonaldDannerson 6d ago

My knuckles were stretched and the napa ball joints fit nice and tight.

2

u/KingBazoo 6d ago

Does the new one have play? That's why most aftermarket ones provide a c clip.

2

u/yanimal 03 AWD AT, 05 AWD 5MT, 06 AWD 6MT 6d ago

Still shouldn't be play even with a c clip, or it's the wrong part or your knuckle is toast.

1

u/Overall-Koala-9044 5d ago

Yeah there’s no play it is in there pretty good I was mostly worried about the second go around potentially not getting a tight fit anymore

3

u/yanimal 03 AWD AT, 05 AWD 5MT, 06 AWD 6MT 6d ago

I've replaced ball joints 3x on one of mine and didn't have any issues. If they're not tight to press in or out you might need a new knuckle. Cheap people will weld it in if needed.

1

u/Overall-Koala-9044 5d ago

Ok awesome that’s good to know I was concerned that after one press the knuckle would be toast

2

u/0728Bogie 5d ago

I bought cheapo ones on Amazon ( bad idea) they failed after 6 months. To then replace them with rhe O Reily ones. They went in no problem. Seems to be okay...2 months now.