Compliance bushings, also known as control arm bushings, are rubber mounts that connect the control arms to the vehicle’s frame or subframe. They act as cushions that dampen road shock and vibrations from the wheels. Replacing compliance bushings on a Honda Accord after significant wear restores proper wheel alignment, steering responsiveness, and overall handling. This article will cover symptoms of failing bushings, required tools and parts, step-by-step instructions, and key tips for DIY replacement.
Symptoms Of Worn Out Compliance Bushings
There are some telltale signs that the compliance bushings on your Honda Accord need replacement:
- Uneven tire wear – Bushings out of alignment can cause tires to wear unevenly. The inside or outside of tires may show more wear.
- Vehicle wandering – Worn bushings make it hard for your car to stay straight, especially at highway speeds. The car may pull left or right.
- Vibrations through the steering wheel – Bad bushings transmit vibrations through the steering column over bumps.
- Clunks when turning – Worn out bushings clunk audibly when making turns.
- Difficulty maintaining alignment – An alignment won’t hold long with deteriorated bushings.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a sign to check or replace compliance bushings on your Accord.
Necessary Tools and Parts
Replacing compliance bushings on a Honda Accord can be performed at home with some basic tools and affordable parts:
Tools Needed
- Floor jack and jack stands
- Wrench/socket set
- Torque wrench
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Grease gun with grease
Parts Needed
- Replacement compliance bushings
- Control arm bolts
- Grease/lubricant
Double check your Honda Accord’s year and trim level to get the exact right compliance bushings. Purchase high quality aftermarket or OEM bushings for optimal results.
Step-By-Step Compliance Bushing Replacement
Replacing worn out compliance bushings on a Honda Accord involves carefully removing the old bushings and installing new ones. Follow these steps:
- Safety First
- Lift the Vehicle
- Remove the Wheel
- Detach the Control Arm
- Press Out the Old Bushing
- Clean the Bushing Housing
- Press In the New Bushing
- Reattach the Control Arm
- Repeat on Other Side
- Reinstall Wheels and Lower Vehicle
Safety First
Before starting any work, make sure the car is parked on a flat, level surface with the parking brake firmly set. Put on safety glasses to protect your eyes.
Lift The Vehicle
Use a hydraulic floor jack to lift up the front of the Accord. Position jack stands securely under the frame rails or pinch welds to support the car. Make sure it is stable before going underneath. Chock the rear wheels as well.
Remove The Wheel
With the car lifted, remove the front wheel where you’ll be replacing the bushings first. Use a lug wrench or impact gun to loosen and remove the lug nuts. Set the wheel aside.
Detach The Control Arm
Locate the upper and lower control arms that need new bushings. Use a ratchet and socket to loosen the control arm bolts where they mount to the subframe. Unscrew the bolts fully and detach the control arms.
Press Out The Old Bushing
Position a bushing removal/installation tool against the old bushing. Slowly turn the screw or drive the slider to press the worn bushing out of the control arm. Dispose of the old bushing.
Clean The Bushing Housing
Use a wire brush and cleaning solvent to scrub the empty control arm bushing housing. Remove any dirt, grease, or corrosion. The new bushing must fit smoothly.
Press In The New Bushing
Place the fresh bushing into the removal tool in the correct orientation. Carefully press or drive it into the control arm’s bushing housing until fully seated.
Reattach The Control Arm
Position the control arm back into place on the subframe. Hand start the mounting bolts, then tighten them with a torque wrench to the proper specs.
Repeat On Other Side
Perform bushing replacement on the opposite side’s control arm as well. Follow the same steps to remove old and install new bushings.
Reinstall Wheels And Lower Vehicle
With the new compliance bushings installed on both sides, put the wheels back on and lower the Accord. Tighten the lug nuts fully before taking it for a test drive.
Take your time and be careful not to damage any components during this DIY bushing replacement process. New high quality parts paired with proper installation will restore compliance and handling.
Tips for DIY Compliance Bushing Replacement
Here are some useful tips to make your Honda Accord’s compliance bushing replacement go smoothly:
- Inspect all suspension bushings while you’re doing the job. Replace any others that are cracked or deteriorated.
- Use a bushing press tool if possible, to avoid damaging new bushings.
- Apply grease/lubricant to the contact points of new bushings.
- Have an alignment done after installing new bushings. This will center the wheels.
- Consider upgrading to polyurethane bushings for added durability.
- Check torque specs for control arm and wheel bolts. Don’t over or under tighten.
- Take your time removing old bushings to avoid harming control arms.
With care and patience, you can complete this repair DIY. But if you don’t have the tools or time, seek professional replacement to restore your Honda Accord’s handling. Performing preventive bushing replacement before they fail badly extends the car’s life and your safety.
What Are Compliance Bushings For A Honda Accord?
Compliance bushings, also known as control arm bushings, are a critical component in the front suspension system of a Honda Accord. They are rubber mounts that connect the control arms to the vehicle’s subframe and allow the wheels to move freely while isolating road vibrations.
Compliance bushings provide cushioning between metal parts, allowing the suspension to flex and move properly for steering and handling. Worn out bushings can cause loose steering, crooked wheel alignment, and unsafe driving conditions. Replacing them restores control and ride comfort.
How Do I Know If My Compliance Bushings Are Bad?
There are some telltale signs that the compliance bushings on your Honda Accord may need replacement. These include uneven tire wear, steering wheel vibrations, vehicle wandering, strange clunks when turning, and inability to hold wheel alignments. If a front tire shows more inner or outer edge wear, that likely indicates a bushing is out of alignment.
Any shaking through the steering wheel over bumps can signal bushing deterioration. Difficulty keeping the car tracking straight and loud clunks when turning also point to bad bushings.
Can I Change Bushings By Myself?
While bushing replacement requires time and some mechanical skill, it is a doable DIY job on a Honda Accord. With basic tools like jacks, socket sets, a pry bar, and torque wrench, you can press out the old bushings and carefully install new ones.
Using a bushing installer tool makes insertion easier. Just be sure to follow all safety steps like lifting on secure jack stands. Getting an alignment after new bushing installation is recommended. With patience and care, you can complete this repair yourself and save on shop labor costs.
Where Are Compliance Bushings Located?
Compliance bushings are located where the upper and lower control arms mount to the subframe of a Honda Accord. Each front wheel will have a set of compliance bushings in the corresponding control arms that attach to the frame.
The bushings act as pivots to allow proper wheel movement and are placed close to where the tire meets the pavement. Locating worn out bushings just requires jacking up the car and inspecting the control arm connections. Bad bushings will look cracked, dry, or mushroomed.
Also Read: Honda Accord Euro Alternator Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Compliance Bushings?
Compliance bushings, also called control arm bushings, are rubber pieces that attach suspension components to the vehicle frame. They cushion the ride and allow the wheels to move properly.
Where Are The Compliance Bushings Located?
Compliance bushings are located where the control arms mount to subframes or crossmembers on a vehicle. Each front wheel will have an upper and lower control arm with bushings.
How Long Does Bushing Replacement Take?
With the right tools, bushing replacement takes 1-3 hours per pair. Working on one wheel at a time, expect a full bushing job to take 4-6 hours or longer.
Can I Drive With A Bad Compliance Bushing?
You can drive short distances with worn bushings, but handling will be compromised. They should be replaced as soon as possible for safety.
Do I Need An Alignment After New Bushings?
Yes, an alignment is highly recommended after bushing replacement to center the wheels. The newly installed bushings can alter alignment.
Conclusion
Worn out compliance bushings are a common issue on older Honda Accords. Replacing compliance bushings restores proper wheel control and handling. With some DIY mechanical skills and the right parts, you can perform this repair yourself and save on labor costs. Just be sure to follow all safety steps carefully. If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, any reputable auto shop can replace your Honda Accord’s compliance bushings affordably. Address this maintenance issue promptly before deteriorated bushings lead to expensive damage down the road.