Rep Power: 0

I asked honda to give me a list of recommendations of parts to replace in order to get my alignment done without it going back to what it is now (hope that makes sense). I know I need to replace my lower ball joints. They told me I need to replace the front lower bushings (I'm assuming those are the ones in the lower control arms?) And they said I need to replace the front sway bar end links. Do I really need to replace the end links? I didn't think that was an alignment critical item? Do I need to replace my rear end links as well then? (They didn't put those on the list). Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 519

Sway bar links are not part of alignment, but they can be annoyingly noisy when bad.

 
Rep Power: 368

no, you don't need to replace them for alignment

but if they do go bad, don't ask the sway bar to do much work

 
Rep Power: 211

had that happen to one of my rear ones!

 
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Definitely check front lower control arm bushings. Problematic. Go with Moog problem solver. $20 at rockauto

 
Rep Power: 519

I guess they can get really quiet when they go bad too!

 
Rep Power: 0

Is it difficult to replace lower control arm bushings? Do I need special tools? And I didn't think the sway bar end links served any alignment purpose so thanks for confirming

 
Rep Power: 211

you need a press to push the bushings in with,

alternatively, you can buy an entire control arm with the bushings already installed

 
Rep Power: 368

Also, the price on changing the bushings and all the expenses with a guy that have a press ends up pretty close to the price of a new arm.

LOL!

 
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Hmm... I might be able to do this, if I had a few pictures of someone actually using a press to get the bushings out? I have a hydraulic press at work I could use. Do I just push on the inner metal part with a socket or extension or something? Do I need to add some grease to the hole in the LCA before pressing in the new bushings?

 
Rep Power: 519

You have to support the arm correctly below the area you will be pressing, and push on the steel outer ring of the bushing using a "suitable tool".

Someone who uses a press regularly should be able to show you how, so ask around.

Correct orientation and alignment of the bushing is critical if using an original style part. Study the original and mark the new so it can go in exactly like the old one was.

No. Dry, metal on metal.


HTH

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks for the info!