This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front upper control arm on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including ball joint separation and proper torque sequence.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper control arm assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift point
5. Support vehicle with jack stands on frame rails
6. Remove front wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper control arm area
   Turn steering wheel to full lock away from working side to provide better access to control arm mounting points. Inspect the upper control arm, ball joint boot, and mounting bushings for damage or wear patterns.
2. 2

   Remove ball joint castle nut
   Locate the upper ball joint where it connects to the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin if equipped. Using a 17mm socket, remove the castle nut from the ball joint stud. Do not reuse the nut if it shows thread damage.
   ℹ️Note the ball joint nut orientation and thread condition for reassembly.
3. 3

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Position ball joint separator tool between the upper control arm and steering knuckle. Apply steady pressure to separate the ball joint taper from the knuckle. The joint will release suddenly with a pop. Support the knuckle assembly to prevent stress on lower control arm and CV axle.
   ⚠Tool may slip when joint separates. Maintain controlled force and secure footing.
4. 4

   Remove control arm rear mounting bolt
   Locate the rear control arm mounting bolt that connects to the chassis mounting bracket. Using a 14mm socket and wrench, remove the rear mounting bolt completely. Note the bolt orientation and any alignment shims or washers present.
   ℹ️Some vehicles may have alignment shims at the rear mount. Mark their position or photograph before removal.
5. 5

   Remove control arm front mounting bolt
   Using a 14mm socket and wrench, remove the front mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the chassis. The control arm is now free to be removed. Maneuver the arm out from between the knuckle and chassis.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean mounting points
   Clean the ball joint taper seat on the steering knuckle with a wire brush. Inspect the knuckle for cracks or damage. Clean the control arm mounting bolt holes in the chassis and check threads for damage. Apply penetrating lubricant to mounting bolt threads if corroded.
7. 7

   Install new upper control arm
   Position the new upper control arm into the chassis mounting brackets. Install the front and rear mounting bolts finger-tight only. Do NOT torque these bolts yet. Ensure any alignment shims are reinstalled in their original positions.
   ⚠Control arm mounting bolts must remain loose until vehicle weight is on the wheels to prevent bushing bind.
8. 8

   Connect ball joint to knuckle
   Align the upper ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar or jack to position the knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud fully into the knuckle taper. Thread the castle nut onto the ball joint stud by hand.
9. 9

   Torque ball joint nut
   Using a torque wrench and 17mm socket, torque the ball joint castle nut to specification. If the cotter pin hole does not align, tighten the nut slightly more (never loosen) until the hole aligns. Install a new cotter pin and bend tabs.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench but do not torque yet. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle until the suspension is at normal ride height with full vehicle weight on the wheels. Do not lower completely to the ground yet.
11. 11

    Torque control arm mounting bolts
    With the vehicle at ride height and weight on the suspension, torque the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical to prevent bushing bind and premature wear. Torque in the order: rear bolt first, then front bolt.
    ⚠Failure to torque with vehicle weight on wheels will cause bushing failure within months.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Using a torque wrench, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Perform a final verification that all fasteners are secure.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all mounting bolts were torqued with vehicle weight on suspension
2. Verify cotter pin is properly installed on ball joint castle nut
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in wheel well
4. Repeat procedure for opposite side if needed

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or unusual noises from front suspension
• Check steering operation through full range of motion for binding
• Visually inspect control arm mounting points for proper alignment and no gap between bushings and chassis
• Schedule wheel alignment as camber and caster specifications may have changed

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