Suspension - Updated Control Arm Replacement Procedure
90honda05Model Applicable To
1984
Civic ALL
File Under Bulletin No.
SPECIAL 84-035
TOOLS Issue Date
JUNE 11, '84
Lower Control Arm Replacement Set
The tools included in this set make it possible to replace the lower control arms in 1984 Civics without removing the rear beam from the chassis.
NOTE: The first edition of the 1984 Civic Service Manual does not show the complete procdure for using these tools. Be sure to keep this bulletin as a reference.
The tools listed below are all included in the Lower Arm Replacement Set (T/N 07965-SB2000A): you can order them separately if necessary.
LOWER ARM REPLACEMENT
1. Remove the torsion bar, torque tube and the bolts that hold the lower arm to the radius arm as shown in the 1984 Civic Service Manual.
2. Support the engine with a jack and proceed as follows depending on whether you are replacing the left or right lower arm:
Left Arm - Remove the alternator adjuster bolt and push the alternator up against the block. Remove the engine side mount bolt and then raise the engine up high enough so that you can install the engine mount spacer (T/N 0765- S62070A) with the engine mount bolt. This will hold the oil pan clear of the left lower arm.
Right Arm (automatic transmission only)
NOTE: If you are replacing only the right arm on a car with a manual transmission, go on to step 4.
Remove the battery, battery tray and fender splash shield. Raise the engine slightly and remove the transmission mount, and then install the transmission support bracket (T/N 07965-SB2100A) as shown to hold the transmission housing away from the lower arm.
3. Insert the collets (T/N 07965-SB20200) into the front of the lower arm bushing and position them directly opposite each other (180~ apart.) Push the remover shaft (T/N 07965-SB2010A) into the rear beam and position it so that the notches on its forward end hold the collets in place against the lower arm bushing.
4. Slide the thrust bearing (T/N 07965-SB2080A) onto the bolt assembly (T/N 07965-SB2050A), and then insert the bolt into the remover shaft from the rear.
5. Slip the receiver (T/N 07965-SB2030A) onto the threaded end of the bolt and position it over the lower arm so it seats against the rear beam. Use a flat washer and the special 24 mm nut (T/N 07965-SB2090A) to hold the receiver in place.
6. Hold the special nut with a 24 mm box end wrench and turn the bolt assembly clockwise to force the lower arm bushing out of the beam.
NOTE: In the case of an extremely stubborn bushing, it may not be possible to remove the lower arm by this method. In such a situation, remove the rear beam from the chassis and follow the procedure on page 20-17 of the first edition of the 1984 Civic Service Manual.
7. Remove the tools from the rear beam and slide the remover shaft off the bolt.
8. Slip the assembly pilot onto the bolt with its shouldered end against the thrust bearing.
9. Insert the bolt into the rear beam and seat the pilot.
10. Use a felt tip pen to mark a line on the new lower arm bushing that lines up with the projection that's cast into the lower arm. (Refer to Service Manual pg. 20-17.) Slip the arm onto the bolt assembly and align the felt tip pen mark on the bushing with the notch in the end of the bushing mount.
NOTE: It may be necessary to raise the front wheels slightly to avoid interference between the lower arm and the outer joint boot on the driveshaft.
11. Slide the installer onto the bolt and position it over the end of the lower arm. Attach the installer with the flat washer and special nut.
12. Hold the nut with a 24 mm box end wrench and turn the bolt clockwise to pull the bushing into the rear beam.
NOTE:
^ Be sure the felt pen mark on the bushing is aligned with the notch on the holder before tightening the bolt.
^ The bushing is set to the correct depth when its steel outer sleeve is flush with the end of the beam.
13. Remove the tools from the rear beam.
14. Remove any tools that were used to hold the engine out of the way and reassemble all engine components. (See step 2.)
15. Attach the lower arm to the radius arm and reinstall the torsion bar and torque tube according to the procedures in the Service Manual.