This procedure covers removal and replacement of the lower control arm on the front suspension of a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower control arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut × 1 — Replace if cotter pin used

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at manufacturer jacking points
5. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
6. Spray control arm bolts and ball joint nut with penetrating oil and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link (if necessary)
   If sway bar link interferes with access, hold the shaft with an Allen key and remove the lower sway bar link nut connecting to the control arm. Swing link upward and secure with wire or zip tie.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove ball joint castle nut
   Remove cotter pin if equipped. Using an 18mm socket, remove the castle nut securing the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle. Do not loosen completely if using a pickle fork-style separator.
   ⚠If using a pickle fork separator, the ball joint boot will likely be damaged. Ensure the new control arm includes a new ball joint.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Install ball joint separator tool between the lower control arm and steering knuckle. Tighten or strike separator per tool instructions until the ball joint tapers separates from the knuckle. Support the knuckle to prevent strain on CV axle and brake hose.
4. 4

   Support the control arm
   Place a jack or support under the outer end of the control arm to prevent it from dropping suddenly when the bolts are removed. This also prevents strain on the sway bar link if still connected.
5. 5

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front control arm mounting bolt connecting the control arm to the front subframe. Using a 17mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
   ℹ️Front and rear control arm bolts may be different lengths. Keep them separated and labeled.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
   Using a 17mm socket and wrench, remove the rear control arm mounting bolt connecting the control arm to the rear subframe position. Support the control arm as you remove the last bolt.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   Lower the support jack and carefully maneuver the control arm down and out from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting points on the subframe for damage, corrosion, or worn bushings that may need attention.
8. 8

   Prepare new control arm
   Compare the new control arm to the old unit to verify correct part. Wire brush the subframe mounting holes and threads. Apply a light coat of anti-seize to bolt threads if desired (avoid getting on friction surfaces).
9. 9

   Install new control arm
   Position the new control arm into place on the subframe. Install the front and rear mounting bolts finger-tight only. Ensure any washers or spacers are in their original positions. Do not torque yet.
   ⚠️Control arm bolts must NOT be torqued until vehicle weight is on the suspension. Torquing with suspension hanging will pre-load bushings incorrectly.
10. 10

    Connect ball joint to knuckle
    Raise the outer end of the control arm with a jack to align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. Insert the stud and thread on the new castle nut. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    If sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it to the control arm. Hold the shaft with Allen key and torque the nut to specification. Install new cotter pin if applicable.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque lug nuts in star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque control arm bolts with vehicle at ride height
    Completely lower the vehicle so full weight is on the suspension. Rock the vehicle side-to-side to settle the suspension. Using a torque wrench, torque both control arm mounting bolts (front and rear) to specification while vehicle is at normal ride height.
    ⚠️This is the critical step. Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels or bushing failure will occur.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been torqued to specification
2. Verify ball joint castle nut is properly secured with cotter pin if applicable
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in wheel well

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from suspension
• Verify steering returns to center normally and there is no pulling to either side
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible after control arm replacement, as suspension geometry has been altered
• After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on control arm bolts and ball joint nut

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