Rep Power: 0

Hello. I have a 2001 Civic EX that I have replaced the stock LCA bushings with Energy Suspension. I have installed the LCA's with both bolts loose, and the sway bar link is still disconnected. This should allow for some movement to pry down. I still cannot figure out how to pry the LCA down enough to re-install the ball joint. I have watched YouTube videos and read how to posts, and still have not found an answer. This guy from the video linked below mentions in the comments using a large crow bar and standing on it to accomplish this. However I don't see where you could put something that long without hitting the inside of the wheel well. Also I can't visualize how to stand on a crowbar and insert the ball joint stud into the hole in the LCA. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.




Here is photo of my left side LCA and balljoint:

 
Rep Power: 243

If I remember correctly it was easier to move the hub to to LCA than to try and get the LCA to the hub (ball joint).

Did you remove the strut from the hub assembly?

 
Rep Power: 0

Yes. I did remove the hub assembly from the strut because I also replaced the ball joints. However I have reinstalled them. I'm working on the left side now and have disconnected the LCA completely. I have put the ball joint into the hole and trying to get the two LCA bolts back into place. I'm not sure if removing the two bolts holding hub to strut would help.

I'm surprised the YouTube videos did not cover this particular step. Imo this is by far the most difficult part of this job.

 
Rep Power: 0

You are absolutely right! It is much easier to align the hub/ball joint to the LCA than the other way around. The left side all bolted back together. Hopefully the right side goes just as easily. Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 0

Spring compressors would make lifting the hub assembly a lot easier. If you can't borrow them you can loan them from Autozone through their loan-a-tool program.

http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools...ing-compressor