Here's how to install upper control arms, tie rods and stabilizer links to update the front end on a Honda or an Acura.
When vehicles accumulate higher mileage, suspension parts will wear out, causing excessive play in the steering wheel, vibration, and clunking sounds over bumps. Left to decay, the suspension is a vital part of the car's relationship to the ground. Therefore worn out parts could become a serious safety issue.
To check the upper and lower ball joints on a vehicle with double wishbone front suspension, the lower control arm must be jacked up off the ground to relieve the suspension of any loading on the ball joints. The wheel is rocked back and forth at the 12 and 6 o-clock positions to check for play in the ball joints (a pry bar can also be implemented) and at 3 and 9 o-clock positions to check for play in the steering rack tie rods.
In this video, the upper control arms, stabilizer links, inner and outer tie rods and steering rack boots are replaced in a step by step how to tutorial. The list of parts used were from Mevotech:
CMS20404, CMS20405, MK90456, MK90457, GEV80210, GES80288, GES80287 and MS80002.
These parts were replaced on an Acura TSX, but will be similar for Acura TL, Honda Accord, Civic, CRV, Element and RSX.
Special tools required are:
Big hammer or ball joint separator to free the upper ball joint from the knuckle
Inner tie rod removal tool which can be rented for free from parts stores
Angle grinder to cut off rusted stabilizer links
Alignment Rack to align the toe setting when tie rods are replaced
Bungee cords to secure the knuckle when the upper control arm is removed.
Torque wrench to properly torque all fasteners
Lower ball joint replacement video:
Lower control arm replacement video:
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