How to remove castle nut on FK7

Mugenkb1 · Nov 26, 2018

So I'm in the process of installing coilovers, and I'm trying to remove the castle nut, but there's clearance issue with the CV joint area. wtf. Any mechnically inclined people want to weigh in? I've tried wacking the lower arm with a wood piece and hammer, but still didn't budge. I feel like I need a lower profile ball joint remover as well.

Honda Civic 10th gen How to remove castle nut on FK7 IMG-5867.JPG

airickmatthews · Nov 27, 2018

Mugenkb1 said:
So I'm in the process of installing coilovers, and I'm trying to remove the castle nut, but there's clearance issue with the CV joint area. wtf. Any mechnically inclined people want to weigh in? I've tried wacking the lower arm with a wood piece and hammer, but still didn't budge. I feel like I need a lower profile ball joint remover as well.

Why are you taking that bolt out?

Just take the bottom 3 out, lift up, and slide over.

fitter_here · Nov 27, 2018

Mugenkb1 said:
So I'm in the process of installing coilovers, and I'm trying to remove the castle nut, but there's clearance issue with the CV joint area. wtf. Any mechnically inclined people want to weigh in? I've tried wacking the lower arm with a wood piece and hammer, but still didn't budge. I feel like I need a lower profile ball joint remover as well.

Here's how:

Snoopyslr · Nov 27, 2018

You don't ever hammer a ball joint out by hitting it down. You wack the side of the housing so the taper breaks loose. Best thing to use is a large face air hammer.

Honda Civic 10th gen How to remove castle nut on FK7 Capture.PNG

Mugenkb1 · Nov 28, 2018

airickmatthews said:
Why are you taking that bolt out?

Just take the bottom 3 out, lift up, and slide over.

Because that's what the installation guide for new struts called for from the PDF on college hills honda, but I feel like they're instructions are kind of misleading. But you're right, I don't believe I need to remove the whole ball joint, just disconnect it from the lower arm. So I did that, took out the whole knuckle, and man it's a PITA to put back, lining in the drive shaft an all, and also attaching it to the strut at the same time. I still haven't found a good way to do so, and I'm afraid of damaging the drive shaft or CV boot, or pop the drive shaft out of the transmission. I feel like I need someone to just pull down the lower arm for more clearance. And that knuckle is heavy AF.

Honda Civic 10th gen How to remove castle nut on FK7 unnamedfff

airickmatthews · Nov 28, 2018

Mugenkb1 said:
Because that's what the installation guide for new struts called for from the PDF on college hills honda, but I feel like they're instructions are kind of misleading. But you're right, I don't believe I need to remove the whole ball joint, just disconnect it from the lower arm. So I did that, took out the whole knuckle, and man it's a PITA to put back, lining in the drive shaft an all, and also attaching it to the strut at the same time. I still haven't found a good way to do so, and I'm afraid of damaging the drive shaft or CV boot, or pop the drive shaft out of the transmission. I feel like I need someone to just pull down the lower arm for more clearance. And that knuckle is heavy AF.

Oh I know. I fought with the passenger side super hard. Lots of blood, sweat, and tears that day. Lol. Not looking forward to the day I have to do that one again, I really don’t know any easier way. Anyone???

Snoopyslr · Nov 28, 2018

Mugenkb1 said:
Because that's what the installation guide for new struts called for from the PDF on college hills honda, but I feel like they're instructions are kind of misleading. But you're right, I don't believe I need to remove the whole ball joint, just disconnect it from the lower arm. So I did that, took out the whole knuckle, and man it's a PITA to put back, lining in the drive shaft an all, and also attaching it to the strut at the same time. I still haven't found a good way to do so, and I'm afraid of damaging the drive shaft or CV boot, or pop the drive shaft out of the transmission. I feel like I need someone to just pull down the lower arm for more clearance. And that knuckle is heavy AF.

Holy crap! All that for struts?! My lord... my WRX you just unbolt the strut and wiggle it out lol.

Mugenkb1 · Nov 28, 2018

Snoopyslr said:
Holy crap! All that for struts?! My lord... my WRX you just unbolt the strut and wiggle it out lol.

Yup. I'm sure others have done it without taking out the knuckle, but then their CV boots eventually got damaged and started leaking. So I'm gonna follow what Honda recommends.

L8apex · Nov 28, 2018

I don’t recall having much trouble getting the struts in and out of these cars. Sure it’s probably twice as hard doing it on the ground than on a lift. But still, you’re not trying to lift the knuckle into the strut, aligning the axle, and flexing the lower arm down all at the same time right?

First I’d disconnect the swaybar on both ends so you’re not fighting the swaybar tension. I’d also recommend unbolting the caliper (maybe even remove the rotor) to save some weight on the knuckle. Hang the rotor with zip ties or bungees, NOT by the brake line.

The order of removal should be: 3 lower nuts, axle from knuckle, knuckle from strut, 3 nuts at the top of the strut. Installation should be the opposite.

Mugenkb1 · Nov 28, 2018

L8apex said:
I don’t recall having much trouble getting the struts in and out of these cars. Sure it’s probably twice as hard doing it on the ground than on a lift. But still, you’re not trying to lift the knuckle into the strut, aligning the axle, and flexing the lower arm down all at the same time right?

First I’d disconnect the swaybar on both ends so you’re not fighting the swaybar tension. I’d also recommend unbolting the caliper (maybe even remove the rotor) to save some weight on the knuckle. Hang the rotor with zip ties or bungees, NOT by the brake line.

The order of removal should be: 3 lower nuts, axle from knuckle, knuckle from strut, 3 nuts at the top of the strut. Installation should be the opposite.

Ahah I am trying to lift the knuckle to the strut, aligning the axle and flexing the lower arm at the same time. Yeah I’ve unbolted the caliper. I may take out the rotor to save some weight. So installation should be the knuckle attaching to the strut first and then aligning the axle? I’ve been trying to align the axle first then connecting to the strut and somehow try to get the lower ball joint to go over the lower arm.

How to remove castle nut on FK7

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