Lower Control Arm - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear lower control arm on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including disconnection of the ball joint and control arm mounting bolts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lower control arm × 1 — Use OEM Honda part number for your specific model year
• Ball joint castle nut × 1 — Replace if damaged or cotter pin cannot be reused
• Cotter pin × 1 — Single-use item, always replace

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at frame rail points
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on ball joint nut and control arm bolts if corrosion is present, allow 10-15 minutes to penetrate

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear knuckle assembly
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the rear knuckle/spindle assembly to support it. Raise jack just enough to take up slack and support the weight of the knuckle and suspension components. This prevents the assembly from dropping when the control arm is disconnected.
2. 2

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and castle nut
   Locate the ball joint where the lower control arm connects to the rear knuckle. Remove and discard the cotter pin from the castle nut. Using a 17mm socket, remove the ball joint castle nut completely. Keep the nut if it is in good condition or replace with new.
3. 3

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Using a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork, carefully separate the ball joint stud from the knuckle. Insert the tool between the control arm and knuckle, then strike or tighten to force separation. Avoid damaging the ball joint boot if reusing the control arm. The joint should pop free with moderate force.
   ⚠The knuckle may shift suddenly when the ball joint separates. Ensure the floor jack is supporting the assembly.
4. 4

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the subframe/chassis. This bolt passes through the front bushing of the control arm. Using a 19mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the subframe/chassis at the rear bushing. Using a 19mm socket and wrench, remove this bolt completely. The control arm should now be free to remove from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the control arm away from the mounting points and ball joint. You may need to rotate or angle the arm to clear surrounding components. Inspect the removed arm for damage, worn bushings, or torn boots.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting bolt holes in the subframe and the ball joint taper in the knuckle. Remove any rust, debris, or old thread locker. Inspect threads in the knuckle for damage.
8. 8

   Install new control arm to subframe
   Position the new control arm to align with both front and rear mounting points on the subframe. Insert both mounting bolts finger-tight only. Do NOT torque these bolts yet - they must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels. Ensure any bushings are oriented correctly per manufacturer markings.
9. 9

   Connect ball joint to knuckle
   Align the ball joint stud with the hole in the rear knuckle. You may need to use the floor jack to raise or lower the knuckle slightly for alignment. Push the stud through the knuckle taper until fully seated. The taper should pull in snugly.
10. 10

    Install and torque ball joint nut
    Thread the castle nut onto the ball joint stud by hand, then tighten to specification using a torque wrench and 17mm socket. Ensure the nut rotates the stud into the taper. After torquing, align the next castle slot with the cotter pin hole. If needed, tighten further (never loosen) to align. Install a new cotter pin and bend ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the rear wheel onto the hub, threading lug nuts by hand to start. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench but do not torque yet. Remove the floor jack from under the knuckle. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until the suspension is at normal ride height with full vehicle weight on the wheels, but keep the vehicle slightly raised for access.
12. 12

    Torque control arm mounting bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle weight on the suspension (wheels touching ground or on ramps), torque both the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical - torquing these bolts with the suspension hanging will cause premature bushing failure. Use a 19mm socket and torque wrench.
    ⚠CRITICAL: Control arm bolts must be torqued at normal ride height to prevent bushing damage. Do not torque with suspension hanging.
    Torque spec

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

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Using a torque wrench and 19mm socket, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star/cross pattern to ensure even pressure and proper wheel seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure the new cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent the castle nut from loosening
2. Verify all fasteners have been torqued to specification at the correct ride height
3. Remove wheel chocks and perform a visual inspection of the work area for any loose tools or parts

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection of all connections to ensure proper installation and torque
• Bounce the rear of the vehicle several times and verify no unusual noises or movement from the control arm area
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for proper handling and any unusual noises during turns and over bumps
• Schedule a professional alignment check, as replacing suspension components typically affects wheel alignment settings

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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