mrohitredd

I have searched & read quite a few LCA Replacement articles. Couldn't find exactly what I need. I want to replace the damaged (with age) Front LCA Bushings on my 2002 Civic LX (4 Dr). I have watched few videos & read articles where people were using some special tools to get the old one out & the new one in place. Can I do this at home ? Do I need any special tools ?
Can someone give me list of extended wrenches needed or any special tools for this job ? I usually do some very basic stuff on my car & this would be one of the smallest major job. Really appreciate your input - Time & Knowledge. Thanks in advance.

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

Beat way to remove them is with a press. If you don't have one just go to a local shop and ask them to press the old bushings out for you and press the new ones in. They shouldn't charge you full labor cost just like $10 or $20.

Tools neeeed are basic besides a pitman toolnwhich you can rent from parts store. Read this DIY, very helpful. You can follow the DIY and make your own bushings or just get new ones pressed in.

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...ushings-2.html

mrohitredd

Little confused... Can I manage these with the help of a pitman tool (to pull the bushing out & LCA from the ball joint) ? or do I still have to go to a shop to get the bushing out ?

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

You might be able to use the pitman tool to remove the bushings but you will have to modify it to fit. The pitman tool is for getting the ball joint out of the LCA.

A jaw puller like this May work if you were able to cover the whole bushing with the center.



If not then a shop press is what you will need.

Possibly you could get a ball joint remover to work:

xRiCeBoYx

iTrader: (22)

Only way I've gotten them out without a press is by the use of cold chisels, a heavy hammer, an angle grinder, brute force, and a few hours of pounding. Then again, I only have an electric impact gun, not pneumatic.

The rubber in the bushings and the shape (at least for the rear bushing) makes it virtually impossible to use a puller

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

Yea, it's pretty much worth it to just pay a shop $10-$20 to press them out and press in the new ones.

The rear can be done using a piece of all-thread (the ones on the hub).

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com...sion/17359.pdf

mrohitredd

Thanks all... Bought a pitman tool & have some basic tools to get this job done... will take the LCA to a mechanic to get it pressed out/in... Hope things go smooth...

by the way, I bought this...
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...1-p#fragment-2

wasn't sure of the size I would need... did anyone bought these tools from advance auto ? Can u send me the link or the part # if u can...

my car is in the garage in NJ & i'm in PA... so I cudn't check these things myself... sorry for any inconvenience I cause...

johndeerebones

Prepare to say dirty words. Getting the LCA out isn't terrible, but dealing with the bushings is a major pita. Don't worry about the rear one if its ok. The movement is in the wrong direction to wear much on it. The front pancake bushing is bolted the opposite direction from it's pivot and it HAS to flex the bushing itself. Have it pressed. For ride quietness go with the rubber like stock, for longevity and crispness go urethane. HEED THIS ADVICE, drill them for grease fittings while they are out if you go urethane. I didn't went urethane, drive was improved, but the noise was unbearable and had to do it on the car, sucked sucked sucked. Oh yeah did I mention it sucked? Now that they are quiet I love em though.

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

@ Johndeerebones:

Do you have pics of the fittings you added? I wanted to do this to mine also, I would go crazy if they squeaked all the time!

@ OP:

I rented the tool from Autozone. I remember it being smaller then the one you bought. That one should work for the LCA but possibly not for the tie rod end.

mrohitredd

alright people... a new question... (sorry for asking too many...)
I was told that its lot easier & better off replacing the LCA than the bushes on its own, on an old car... was looking at these...
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...oog_10616339-p

are these any good ?

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

Yes Moog is a good company, I'm just partial to OE so I would rather keep my OE arms and just replace the bushings with OE or ES. Will just cost a little extra to replace the arms but it will be much easier.

sdaidoji

iTrader: (1)

and then replace bushings at your leisure on the arms and keep them on the shelf for the next time

mrohitredd

johndeerebones

Yes the whole arms are way easier. The sway bar end links are a pain at times, but other than that the tie rod and lower ball joint are the biggest obstacles. I don't have pictures and it is snowing and 15* here, so I would take them but it is cold. Just put the in toward the out of the arm and you can get to them fine.

mrohitredd

So... Finally, i got the job done... replaced Control Arms (, rear brake shoe, drum & brake fluid flush). Thought i can manage somehow, but failed at the very beginning Cudnt get the 11+ years old Nuts out at the BallJoint ! I was working on jack stands & cudnt get my hands deep to put enough pressure on it... Somehow found a guy nearby, paid him $XXX (lot less than what i was asked in tiresplus), gave him the parts - and its all good !

But.. thanks for all the time & input from the fellow Civicans !

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

good deal.

Haha, Civicans.