How to Replace Front Lower Control Arms 03-06 Honda Element
Difficulty: Advanced · About 110 min · Honda Element
Replace a front lower control arm on a 2003–2006 Honda Element, disconnecting the sway link and ball joint before aligning the new arm and restoring the suspension.
Tools you will need
- 14mm Wrench
- Socket Extensions
- Torque Wrench
- Hammer
- 15mm Socket
- Pry Bar
- 16mm Socket
- 17mm Socket
- Jack Stands
- 18mm Socket
- 19mm Socket
- 5mm Hex Wrench
- Pickle Fork
- Side Cutters
- Ratchet
- Floor Jack
- 1/2 Inch Breaker Bar
Parts and supplies
- Front lower control arm
- Cotter pin
- Wheel lug nuts
Steps
Lift the vehicle and remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts on the ground, then raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the wheel and set it aside.
Disconnect the sway bar link
Hold the link stud with the 5 mm hex wrench while loosening its nut with the 14 mm wrench. Remove the lower link from the control arm.
Release the ball joint and old arm
Straighten and remove the cotter pin, then loosen the ball joint castle nut. Separate the taper with an appropriate separator, remove the control arm bolts, and take the arm out.
Install and align the control arm
Position the replacement arm and loosely install its mounting bolts. Seat the ball joint, fit its nut and a new cotter pin, then tighten the arm and joint fasteners to the vehicle's specifications.
Reconnect the sway link and wheel
Install and tighten the sway bar link to specification. Refit the wheel, start the lug nuts by hand, lower the vehicle, and torque them in a crossing pattern to specification.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.