my helms manual doesnt really give any description of how to remove/replace the front lower control arm. just a diagram of how everything fits in. im wondering, is it that difficult of a job that i should have a place (dealer?) do it? are there any special tools that i would need? can it be done on jackstands?

also, should i play it safe and buy a new control arm from honda or will a junkyard piece suffice?

 

it can be done, you need to remove the lower ball joint and 3 bolts...

 

the lower ball joint is a BITCH to get out. you will need a puller to get it off, banging on the controll arm WILL NOT WORK. if you get it by banging on the arm, then you are a lucky bastard. or you really fucked up your control arm.

 

If your speaking of just separating the ball joint from the lca, not so...

Jack up the suspension just enough to put the end of rachet between the ball joint and lca. Go ahead and thread the nut down to where the nut is flush with the end of the ball joint stud. Slowly lower the suspension and it will pop loose. Then thread the nut the rest of the way off.

Also, do a search here using "ball joint", lots anecdotal advice.

 

yeah doh! forgot about the search function here because usually it never works. this time it did! great info to be found.. this thread looks especially helpful

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=211147

and i was gonna post the question to the competition forum but i figured here would be more appropriate. thanks guys ill do some reading before jumping into it.

 

I always hit the lca with a large hammer to loosen the ball joint. I dont use pickle forks at all because they are prone to bust the boot, and in my profession, that isnt acceptable because it has to go back together and look like it has never been apart and i'm not into buying ball joints for other ppl.

 

i always get scared using the BFH method. =\

 

does the spring/shock assembly need to be removed when replacing the lower control arm?

 

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