Special Tools Required

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Honda Fit, 2012 Honda Fit, 2011 Honda Fit, 2010 Honda Fit, and 2009 Honda Fit. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202

NOTE: Do not remove the lower arm of both sides at the same time.

Raise the vehicle on a lift (see LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS ).
Remove the front wheel.
Remove the lock pin (A) from the lower arm ball joint, then remove the castle nut (B).
NOTE: During installation, install the lock pin as shown after tightening the new castle nut.

Fig 1: Lock Pin & Castle Nut With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect the lower ball joint from the knuckle using the ball joint remover (see BALL JOINT REMOVAL ).
NOTE:
- 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 the knuckle. You could damage the ball joint.
Remove the lower arm mounting bolts, then remove the lower arm (A) from the front subframe.
NOTE: Use new lower arm mounting bolts during reassembly.

Fig 2: Lower Arm Mounting Bolts & Lower Arm With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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 the nuts, then raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight before fully tightening it to the specified torque values. Do not place the jack against the ball joint of the lower arm.
- Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when connecting the knuckle.
- Before connecting the ball joint, degrease the threaded section and the tapered portion of the ball joint pin, the ball joint connecting hole, and the threaded section and the 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 it if necessary (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT ).