Control Arm Bushing - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of rear control arm bushings on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine, requiring suspension disassembly and specialized bushing press tools.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lower control arm bushing × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification or quality aftermarket equivalent
• Ball joint cotter pin × 1 — Split pin per Honda specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at designated lift points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm. Hold the ball stud with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the lower nut using a wrench or socket. Separate the end link from the control arm. This provides clearance for control arm removal.
2. 2

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and nut
   Locate the ball joint connecting the lower control arm to the rear knuckle. Straighten and remove the cotter pin using pliers or a cotter pin removal tool. Clean threads with a wire brush. Remove the ball joint castle nut completely using the appropriate socket.
3. 3

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the ball joint stud from the knuckle. Insert the tool between the control arm and knuckle, then apply pressure to break the taper fit. Avoid hammering directly on threads. Once separated, support the knuckle to prevent strain on brake lines and wheel speed sensor wiring.
4. 4

   Remove control arm mounting bolts
   Locate the two control arm mounting bolts that attach the control arm to the rear subframe. These bolts pass through the bushings. Use a breaker bar to loosen both bolts, then remove them completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reassembly. Support the control arm as you remove the second bolt.
5. 5

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   With all fasteners removed, carefully maneuver the control arm out from the suspension area. It may require some rotation and angling to clear the subframe and other components. Inspect the ball joint for wear while the arm is removed; replace if excessive play or torn boot is present.
6. 6

   Press out old bushing
   Secure the control arm in a vise or position it in a hydraulic press. Using the appropriate size receiver and driver from the bushing press kit, press the old bushing out of the control arm bore. Apply pressure slowly and steadily. The bushing should press out cleanly; if resistance is excessive, verify alignment of press tools. Clean the bore thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for damage or cracking.
7. 7

   Install new bushing
   Apply a light coating of soapy water or bushing lubricant to the outer sleeve of the new bushing (never use petroleum-based products). Position the new bushing in the control arm bore, ensuring proper orientation if the bushing is directional. Using the bushing press kit, carefully press the new bushing into place until it is fully seated and flush with the control arm housing. Verify the bushing is centered and seated evenly on both sides.
8. 8

   Install control arm to subframe
   Position the control arm back into the vehicle, aligning the bushing holes with the mounting points on the rear subframe. Insert both control arm bolts with any washers or spacers in their original orientation. Thread the bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment. Do NOT torque these bolts yet - they must be torqued with vehicle weight on the suspension.
9. 9

   Connect ball joint to knuckle
   Align the ball joint stud with the hole in the rear knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar to position the knuckle or control arm for alignment. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. The castellations must align with the cotter pin hole; if they don't align exactly at torque spec, tighten further (never loosen) until the next castellation aligns. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Position the sway bar end link ball stud into the hole on the lower control arm. Install the nut while holding the ball stud with an Allen key to prevent spinning. Tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install wheel and lower vehicle partially
    Install the rear wheel and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern until the wheel is snug but do not torque yet. Carefully lower the vehicle until the suspension is at normal ride height but the jack stands are still supporting most of the weight. The tires should just contact the ground with vehicle weight compressing the suspension.
12. 12

    Torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With the suspension at normal ride height and vehicle weight on the wheels, torque both control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical - torquing these bolts while the suspension is hanging will preload the bushings incorrectly and cause premature failure. Use a torque wrench and verify both bolts are properly tightened.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued at ride height with vehicle weight on suspension, not while hanging freely.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final wheel installation
    Raise the vehicle slightly and remove jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are installed and torqued to specification
2. Confirm new cotter pin is properly installed and bent on ball joint
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel well
4. If both sides were serviced, verify work was completed on both sides equally

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper tracking and alignment - vehicle should drive straight without pulling
• Listen for clunks or rattles over bumps that would indicate loose fasteners
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment within 50 miles - suspension work affects alignment settings
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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