Lower Arm Removal/Installation

Special Tools Required 

• Ball joint remover 07AAF-SEPA100
• Ball joint thread protector 07AAF-SEPA200

1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS ).
2. Remove the front wheel, taking care not to scratch the calipers on Type-S model.
3. Remove the damper fork (A) from the damper (B) and lower arm (C).
   NOTE: During installation, insert the damper fork into the damper lower end so the aligning tab (D) is aligned with the slot (E) in the damper fork. Use a new the damper fork mounting bolt (F) and new mounting nut (G) oh reassembly.
   Fig 1: Lower Arm Remove / Install Replacement Components With Torque Specifications

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
4. Remove the flange nut (A) while holding the joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C), then disconnect the stabilizer link (D) from the lower arm (E).
   Fig 2: Holding Joint Pin With Torque Specifications

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
5. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the lower arm ball joint, then remove the castle nut (B).
   NOTE:

   • To avoid damaging the ball joint, install the ball joint thread protector on the threads of the ball joint.
   • Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the remover.
   • Do not force or hammer on the lower arm, or pry between the lower arm and knuckle. You could damage the ball joint.
   • During installation, install a new castle nut.
   • During installation, insert the new cotter pin into the ball joint pin hole from the front to the rear of vehicle, and bend its end as shown.
     Fig 3: Cotter Pin From Lower Arm Ball Joint With Torque Specifications

     Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
6. Disconnect the lower arm ball joint from the lower arm using the ball joint thread protector, and the ball joint remover (see 07AAF-SEPA100 ).
7. Remove the flange bolts, nuts and washers, then remove the lower arm (A).
   NOTE: During installation, install new flange bolts and new flange nuts.
   Fig 4: Lower Arm Remove / Install Replacement Components With Torque Specifications

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
8. Check the collar/sleeve (A) on the lower arm (B). Replace the lower arm if the collar/sleeve is loose or damaged.
   Fig 5: Identifying Collar And Sleeve On Lower Arm

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
9. Install the lower arm in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
   • First install all the components, and lightly tighten the bolts and nuts, then raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight before fully tightening to the specified torque values. Do not place the jack against the ball joint pin of the knuckle.
   • Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when connecting the knuckle.
   • Before connecting the lower arm ball joint to the lower arm, degrease the threaded section and tapered portion of the ball joint pin, the ball joint connecting hole, the threaded section and mating surfaces of the castle nut.
   • Torque the castle nut to the lower torque specification, then tighten it only far enough to align the slot with the ball joint pin hole. Do not align the castle nut by loosening it.
   • Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel.
   • Check the wheel alignment, and adjust if necessary (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT ).