How to Replace Front Lower Control Arm 11-13 Honda Odyssey
Difficulty: Advanced · About 75 min · Honda Odyssey
Replace the front lower control arm on a 2011-2013 Honda Odyssey, including separating the tie-rod ball joint and torquing everything to spec.
Tools you will need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Ratchet
- 19mm socket
- 21mm socket
- 1/2 inch breaker bar
- Pickle fork
- Hammer
- Needle-nose pliers
- Torque wrench
Parts and supplies
- Front lower control arm
- Cotter pin
Steps
- Remove the wheel
Loosen the 21mm lug nuts with minimal weight on the tire, then raise and support the van and remove the wheel for access to the suspension.
- Free the control arm from the knuckle
Pull the ball joint's cotter pin and back off the tie-rod castle nut, then separate the ball joint from the knuckle with a pickle fork or by striking the knuckle. Remove the two 19mm bolts holding the arm to the frame and pull it out.
- Install the new control arm
Bolt the new arm in loosely, then jack the suspension up to approximate ride height before torquing the two frame bolts to about 83 ft-lb. Thread the castle nut onto the tie-rod ball joint and torque it to about 55 ft-lb, turning only further if needed to line up the cotter-pin hole, then fit a new cotter pin.
- Reinstall the wheel
Mount the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a crossing pattern, lower the van with minimal weight on the tire, then torque the lugs to about 94 ft-lb.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.