Hi everyone, I'm new to this site and also DIY maintenance and mods on my 01 Civic...I have to do my LCA bushings and have heard horror stories about the front bushing bolt in particular having to be cut out. I was wondering how I would find out what sized, type, ect bolt I would buy to replace the bolt if that is the case. On the Honda site it doesn't give the option to select LCA parts. And if there is anywhere besides a Honda dealer that I could find them that you know of.. Any other tips or advice welcome on LCA bushing replacement. Thanks!

 

Just replaced my control arm bushings, and sway bar links and bushings as well. All Honda fasteners are metric, and you would be able to find similar (same size at least) bolts on McMaster Carr (best hardware site on earth) if you could not find it at the auto or hardware store. My suggestion...torch torch and.....torch. Nylon coated nuts dipped in locktite are not uncommon when assembling suspension systems. If they break just buy replacements. You can measure the diam, length and threads after you get it out. You don't need honda bolts, you just need bolts. I also went with poly bushings I got on amazon. Cheaper and better than OEM. Gives you a tighter ride and lasts longer. I was happy with the prothane ones I got.

 

If you replace your bolts, just make sure they're the same grade as well which should be Grade 8 iirc.

I found mine at Ace Hardware.

 

As mentioned, you can get bolts from your local hardware store. Just make sure they're high grade. In fact, take the bolt with you when you go. They're match it right up.


Also, if you need a DIY, there are a couple links in the FAQ's...

 

Here are my recommendations for your job:
- Buy the ball joint removal tool for $20 at Harbor Freight - don't use the fork, it always wrecks the boot and sometimes the ball. The one at HF will match what is shown in the service manual for the job.
- I'm a purist so forgive me but IMO, just buy the bolt from a honda dealership and take it back if you don't use it. I'm guessing they will cost you $10 for a pair. I never had any problems getting mine off however.

There are a few alternatives:
1) Go with stock
- If you go with stock you will need a press or access to a press. I have the 6 ton Harbor Freight which is a piece of crap but I've actually been able to complete the job (and comes in handy albeit very unstable and clunky).
- To get the LCA Bushing out I pressed out the center metal sleeve and then took a hack saw apart and reassembled with the blade inside the bushing! I cut away a "notch" on the bushing, being careful not to cut the arm, and then took a small chisel/screwdriver and hammer away the notch out of the bushing. It just popped out after that. You can also torch out the rubber center as previously mentioned - don't breathe the fumes.
- The press is required to reinstall the new bushing. Don't forget to mark the orientation - there are actually little "arrows" on the stock bushing rubber. You may need to get some flatbar at local hardware and cut into pieces with a large flat piece across the length of the bushing to press it back in evenly since the metal center sits up higher than the metal sleeve on the bushing - I wasn't able to go one side then the other, etc.

2) Go with Non-Stock
As far as I can tell, you don't need a press. However, I would do some research on the brand name you choose as I've seen some posts praising the aftermarket, and some complaining of "squeaking". All seem to indicate a stiffer ride.

Only other recommendation is consider what you can replace while you're in there. Might consider doing ball joints and stabilizer links since you will be messing with those for sure.

 

I'm not saying this is the "right" way to do it, but you may learn something...if you can tolerate those Steelers gloves.

 

forgot to mention...i would recommend using stainless steel bolts

 

I would buy oem bolts. From what I vaguely remember, oem bolts were self centering. IMO, not worth the headache of locating metric bolts that are the correct grade and length.