How to Install Lower Control Arms in a Honda Civic
by Dan Ferrell
The suspension system on your Honda Civic uses the control arm to hold the steering knuckle and axle housing in position as the wheel moves up and down on the road. If the control arm bends due to an accident or components on the assembly wear out, your ability to steer the vehicle will be impaired. However, you can correct this problem by installing an exact replacement for your particular Honda Civic and following this guide.
Remove the Lower Control Arm
Step 1
Loosen the wheel lugs using a lug wrench to remove the tire from the side of the control arm you want to replace.
Step 2
Jack up the front tire you need to remove and safely support it on a jack stand.
Step 3
Finish removing the tire.
Step 4
Disconnect the sway bar link fastened to the lower control arm. Hold the bolt firm with a wrench as you loosen the nut using a wrench or ratchet and deep socket.
Step 5
Remove the strut fork through bolt from the control arm using a wrench or ratchet and socket.
Step 6
Loosen and remove the fasteners that attach the rod connected to the control arm. Use a wrench or ratchet and socket.
Step 7
Remove the cotter pin from the nut holding the control-arm ball joint to the steering knuckle assembly. Use a pair of nose pliers.
Step 8
Unfasten the ball joint nut using a wrench or ratchet and socket.
Step 9
Disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle using a ball joint remover.
Step 10
Unscrew the bushings mounting bolts from the back of the lower control arm. Use a wrench or ratchet and socket.
Install the Lower Control Arm
Step 1
Apply a coat of silicone grease to the bushings of the new lower control arm.
Step 2
Set the new control arm in place and fasten the bushings using a wrench or ratchet and socket.
Step 3
Insert the control-arm ball joint into the steering knuckle mounting space and tighten the mounting nut.
Step 4
Make sure one of the slots on the ball-joint nut gives you access to the ball joint stud orifice. Then insert a new cotter pin to secure the nut to the ball joint stud using the nose pliers.
Step 5
Connect the rod to the control arm and tighten the fasteners using a wrench or ratchet and socket.
Step 6
Install the strut fork through bolt using a wrench or ratchet and socket.
Step 7
Connect the sway bar link to the lower control arm. Hold the bolt with a wrench as you tighten the nut using a wrench or ratchet and deep socket.
Step 8
Mount the tire on the wheel assembly and install the wheel lugs using the lug wrench.
Step 9
Lower the vehicle and finish tightening the wheel lugs with the lug wrench.
References
- Honda Civic and Cr-V, Acura Integra, 1994-2000, Honda Civic 1996-2001, Honda Cr-V 1997-2001; Haynes Manuals, Inc.; 2005
Tips
- If you need help identifying or locating specific components on your particular Honda Civic model, consult your vehicles service manual. You may find one at most auto parts stores or consult one for free at most public libraries.
Things You'll Need
- Lug wrench
- Floor jack and jack stand
- Wrench set
- Ratchet and deep socket set
- Nose pliers
- Ball joint removal tool
- Silicone grease
- New cotter pin
Writer Bio
Since 2003 Dan Ferrell has contributed general and consumer-oriented news to television and the Web. His work has appeared in Texas, New Mexico and Miami and on various websites. Ferrell is a certified automation and control technician from the Advanced Technology Center in El Paso, Texas.
