LCA Replacement
 

I'm sure some of you have read my post on Future Recommendations. Anyways, I'm investigating a new suspension setup and thought I'd get a few things clarified.

Would it be more beneficial to replace the bushings only or the LCA completely?

I've read about the difficulty in removing the rear LCA bolts. Do the front ones have the same problems? Should I replace all four?

Would it be better to remain OEM or go aftermarket (ie. Omni)?


As always, your input is appreciated. Thanks =)

It really depends on the current condition of your bushings.. if you only need 1 bushing on each side (usually the shock bushing), then just replace those. Each bushing is about $25 from Honda and labour to replace it is typically $40-50/each. If you need more than 1 on each LCA, start looking for other options. A complete control arm from Honda with all 3 bushings already pressed in sells for about $150 if I remember correctly.

Of course, the other option is to go for aftermarket LCA's... Omni's only sell for $160/pair, but I blew 1 bushing after 2 months and another one shortly after... a real pain in the ass if you ask me, especially since they don't use OEM Honda sized bushings.

I had a set of SRR's in the past and they lasted me 2 years with no issues, but they sell for a little more $260-300 range.

In almost every case, the rear bolts seize up... the shock bushing and sometimes the trailing arm too. The front's are usually a little easier, but beware of the front bolt... if you force it out, the nut in your subframe will come loose and you'll be sitting there for a while trying to cut it open to get a grip on the nut again haha.

Overall, It really depends on how well your car was kept... I had no problems removing all the suspension bolts from my 93 Del Sol and 94 Integra, but worked on my friend's 99 teg in 2002 and TONS of bolts were seized up... not fun.

Acura dealer on yonge & steeles sells rear HOP LCA (or Lower Locator Arm) with pressed in bushings for like $110 tax in. :yeah:

Go for some Megan Racing LCA's one of our vendors sells them. have some spare control arm bolts handy you might need them.