This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the lower control arm (radius arm) on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, including ball joint separation and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower control arm assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut × 1 — Replace if cotter pin hole is damaged
• Control arm mounting bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at designated lift points
5. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
6. Spray penetrating lubricant on ball joint nut and control arm bolts, allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ball joint castle nut
   Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut. Using a 19mm socket, remove the castle nut securing the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Do not allow the ball joint stud to spin while removing the nut.
2. 2

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Install ball joint separator tool between the lower control arm and steering knuckle. Apply steady pressure to separate the ball joint taper from the knuckle. If using a pickle fork, note that this may damage the ball joint boot. Once separated, support the knuckle assembly to prevent stress on the CV axle and brake line.
   ⚠The ball joint will release suddenly when the taper breaks free. Maintain control of tools and ensure hands are clear.
3. 3

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front control arm mounting bolt that secures the arm to the subframe. Using a 17mm socket and breaker bar, remove the bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear control arm mounting bolt at the compliance bushing location. Using a 17mm socket and breaker bar, remove the bolt completely. The control arm should now be free from the vehicle. Remove the control arm from underneath the vehicle.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean mounting points
   Clean the ball joint taper bore in the steering knuckle with a wire brush. Inspect the knuckle for cracks or damage. Clean the control arm mounting surfaces on the subframe, removing any corrosion or debris. Verify thread condition on mounting holes.
6. 6

   Install new control arm
   Position the new control arm into place on the subframe. Insert both front and rear mounting bolts finger-tight only. Do not torque at this time. Ensure the control arm bushings are properly seated in their mounting locations.
7. 7

   Connect ball joint to knuckle
   Align the ball joint stud with the steering knuckle bore. Use a pry bar if needed to align the holes. Install the castle nut and thread it onto the ball joint stud by hand. Tighten the nut until it is seated but do not torque yet.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Torque ball joint nut
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the ball joint castle nut to 84 Nm (62 lb-ft). If the cotter pin hole does not align, tighten further (never loosen) until the next castellated slot aligns with the hole. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
   ⚠Never loosen the castle nut to align the cotter pin hole. Only tighten to the next slot if needed.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall wheel
   Mount the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to secure the wheel, but do not torque yet.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower vehicle to load suspension
    Carefully lower the vehicle until the suspension is at normal ride height with full vehicle weight on the wheels, but keep jack stands in place as a safety backup. The suspension must be loaded before torquing control arm bolts to prevent bushing bind.
11. 11

    Torque control arm bolts under load
    With the vehicle weight on the suspension, torque both the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft). This critical step ensures proper bushing alignment and longevity.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension. Failure to do so will cause premature bushing failure.
    Torque spec

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

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground. Using a torque wrench, tighten wheel lug nuts to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even clamping force.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify cotter pin is properly installed and secured in ball joint castle nut
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or unusual noises from front suspension
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm all bolts are tight and properly installed
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment within 50 miles, as control arm replacement affects alignment settings
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque control arm bolts and lug nuts to specification

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