🔧 Control Arms - Front Lower Control Arm Replacement

Assumption: this is for the front lower control arm on your Accord, and the repair is being done one side at a time. The control arm supports the wheel, steering, and suspension, so replacing it correctly is critical for safety and alignment.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the car with jack stands; never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
• Use caution around the suspension spring and steering knuckle. Parts can shift when bolts are removed.
• The ball joint is part of the control arm assembly on this repair. Use the correct separator if it is tight.
• Do not fully tighten suspension pivot bolts with the wheel hanging. Final torque must be done at ride height.
• An alignment is required after this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• 17mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 22mm socket
• Ratchet
• Long extension
• Combination wrench set
• Ball joint separator (specialty)
• Rubber mallet
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Trim tool

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front lower control arm assembly - Qty: 1 per side
• Front lower control arm rear bushing bolt hardware - Qty: 1 set if required
• Front lower control arm front bushing bolt hardware - Qty: 1 set if required
• Front lower ball joint pinch bolt hardware - Qty: 1 set if required

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts before lifting the car.
• If your Accord has underbody covers, remove them as needed for access.
• Spray penetrating oil on the control arm bolts and ball joint area before starting.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to raise the front of the car at the proper lift point.
• Place jack stands under the front support points and lower the car onto them.
• Remove the wheel with a 19mm socket.
• Keep the car stable before going underneath.

Step 2: Remove the control arm from the knuckle

• Use a 17mm socket or 19mm socket to remove the ball joint pinch bolt, depending on hardware.
• If the joint is stuck, use a ball joint separator and a rubber mallet to free it.
• Support the knuckle so the axle and brake hose are not strained.

Step 3: Remove the rear control arm fastener

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove the rear pivot bolt.
• Mark the bolt position with a paint marker if needed before removal.

Step 4: Remove the front control arm fastener

• Use a 22mm socket and ratchet or breaker bar to remove the front pivot bolt.
• Work the control arm out of the subframe.

Step 5: Install the new control arm

• Position the new control arm into the subframe and start both pivot bolts by hand.
• Insert the ball joint into the knuckle and install the pinch bolt by hand.
• Do not fully tighten the pivot bolts yet.

Step 6: Tighten the ball joint and pivot bolts

• Use a torque wrench to tighten the ball joint pinch bolt.
• Torque to 44 Nm (33 ft-lbs) for the ball joint pinch bolt.
• Lower the suspension to ride height with a jack under the control arm or by setting the car on ramps.
• Then torque the front and rear control arm pivot bolts at ride height.
• Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs) for the front pivot bolt.
• Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs) for the rear pivot bolt.

Step 7: Reassemble and reinstall the wheel

• Reinstall the wheel using a 19mm socket.
• Torque to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs) for the lug nuts.
• Repeat the same steps on the other side if replacing both control arms.

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✅ After Repair

• Check that the steering turns freely with no binding.
• Inspect the control arm bushings and ball joint for correct seating.
• Take the car for a short, slow test drive and listen for clunks or pulling.
• Schedule a front-end alignment immediately after the repair.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$280 (parts only)

You Save: $330-$620 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.