This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front subframe bushings on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, requiring partial suspension disassembly and subframe lowering.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front subframe bushing kit (4 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut × 2 — Replace if cotter pin damaged
• Cotter pins × 4 — Various sizes as needed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Apply penetrating oil to all suspension fasteners 30 minutes before starting work
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on four jack stands at manufacturer jacking points
4. Remove both front wheels
5. Mark subframe-to-body position with paint marker for approximate realignment reference
6. Place hydraulic transmission jack or subframe support under center of subframe

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect lower ball joints
   Remove cotter pin from ball joint castle nut on both sides. Loosen but do not remove ball joint nuts. Use ball joint separator to break taper between ball joint and steering knuckle. Remove nuts completely and separate ball joints from knuckles. Support knuckles with wire or bungee cord to prevent stress on brake lines and ABS wiring.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar links
   On both sides, hold the ball stud with an Allen key and remove the sway bar link upper nuts connecting links to struts. Allow links to hang from sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove steering rack mounting bolts
   Locate the steering rack mounting bolts that secure the rack to the subframe. There are typically two mounting bolts and two mounting brackets. Remove all mounting hardware but leave steering rack attached to steering column. Support rack with wire to prevent it from falling when subframe is lowered.
4. 4

   Disconnect front lower control arms from subframe
   Locate the rear control arm mounting bolts that connect each lower control arm to the subframe. Do not remove the bolts completely at this time, only loosen them several turns. These will be removed after the subframe begins to lower.
   ℹ️Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension, so final torque will be done after reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Support subframe with transmission jack
   Position transmission jack or suitable support directly under the center of the subframe. Raise jack until it just contacts subframe and takes slight load. Ensure jack is centered and stable.
   ⚠️Subframe must be properly supported before removing mounting bolts. Ensure jack is stable and positioned correctly.
6. 6

   Remove subframe mounting bolts
   Locate all four subframe-to-body mounting bolts (two front, two rear). Remove the front subframe mounting bolts first, then remove the rear mounting bolts. Keep bolts organized and note their positions as they may be different lengths.
   ⚠Have a helper assist or ensure jack is secure. Subframe will shift as bolts are removed.
7. 7

   Lower subframe and disconnect control arms
   Slowly and carefully lower the transmission jack approximately 4-6 inches. As subframe lowers, watch for any wiring, hoses, or components that may be caught. Once lowered enough to access control arm bolts, fully remove the rear control arm mounting bolts from both sides. Continue lowering subframe completely and remove from under vehicle.
   ⚠️Lower subframe very slowly and check clearance continuously. Stop if any resistance is felt.
8. 8

   Inspect and mark bushing orientation
   With subframe on bench, inspect all four bushing locations. Note orientation of existing bushings, including any alignment marks, tabs, or offset positioning. Take photos for reference. Clean bushing bores with wire brush to remove corrosion and debris.
   ℹ️Bushings may have specific orientation. Front and rear bushings may be different part numbers.
9. 9

   Press out old bushings
   Using hydraulic press and appropriate press tooling, press out each of the four old bushings from the subframe. Apply pressure evenly and straight to avoid damaging bushing bores. If bushings are seized, apply heat carefully to outer subframe metal only (not bushing) to aid removal.
   ⚠Do not gouge or damage bushing bore surfaces during removal. This will affect new bushing fit and alignment.
10. 10

    Install new bushings
    Clean bushing bores thoroughly. Apply light coat of soapy water or approved bushing lubricant to new bushings (not grease or oil). Align new bushings according to orientation marks noted earlier. Using hydraulic press and proper installation tools, press new bushings straight into bores until fully seated and flush. Verify each bushing is seated evenly around entire circumference.
    ⚠Press bushings straight and evenly. Cocked or misaligned bushings will cause binding and premature failure.
11. 11

    Reinstall subframe
    Position subframe on transmission jack and raise into position under vehicle. Align subframe to body using reference marks made during disassembly. Install rear control arm mounting bolts finger-tight first to help locate subframe. Continue raising subframe into final position. Install all four subframe mounting bolts and torque to specification per service manual (typically 75-95 Nm, but verify with factory specs as not provided in torque database).
    ℹ️Subframe alignment is critical for proper suspension geometry. Use reference marks for approximate positioning.
12. 12

    Reconnect steering rack
    Position steering rack onto subframe mounting points. Install mounting brackets and bolts. Torque steering rack mounting bolts to specification per service manual.
13. 13

    Reconnect ball joints and sway bar links
    Reconnect lower ball joints to steering knuckles. Install ball joint castle nuts and torque to specification. Install new cotter pins and bend to secure. Reconnect sway bar links to struts, holding ball stud with Allen key while torquing nuts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install wheels and lower vehicle for final torque
    Install both front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Carefully lower vehicle onto ground. With full vehicle weight on suspension, torque the rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This ensures bushings are torqued at normal ride height position.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels to prevent bushing wind-up and premature failure.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification in order listed in steps
2. Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension at normal ride height
3. Verify all cotter pins are properly installed and bent to secure castle nuts
4. Check that steering rack is secure and steering operates smoothly

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from front suspension
• Check for proper steering feel and returnability
• Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately as suspension geometry has been disturbed
• Re-torque all critical fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving
• Verify no leaks from steering rack after reassembly

More procedures for this vehicle