How to Install Front Lower Control Arm Bushing - 88-91 Civic/CRX Hardrace

Radius rod bushings - amzn.to/2RFeto2
A DIY guide on how to remove and replace your front lower control arm bushings on any 88-91 Civic or CRX. This process will also be very similar to all 88-00 Civics and 90-01 Integra models.
I'm using the Hardrace Front LCA Bushings along with the Energy Suspension Radius Rod bushings & Sway Bar Endlinks.
Help Support my channel, purchase decals here - garagebuilthondas.bigcartel.com
Send me stuff here!
Jon Widmer
PO Box 13594
El Paso, TX 79913
GarageBuiltHondas
Thanks for watching!
DISCLAIMER : "Due to factors beyond the control of Garage Built Hondas, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Garage Built Hondas assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair videos. Due to factors beyond the control of Garage Built Hondas, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again, any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Garage Built Hondas."
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll potentially receive a small commission at no cost to you. This will help support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Back at work on the Wagon! Part 10, getting more suspension work finished up! ES RTA's and LCA's done in the next video!

[@brittonwritespoetry]

Great work as usual. I bet that wagon feels alive again with all that new hardware. No more cracked saggy bushings.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Britton Wright It's feeling so good again, just a few more pieces and off to alignment!

[@mrz80]

One helpful hint when pressing in these bushings. Put the new bushings in the freezer for a few hours before tying to press them in. The metal sleeve'll contract by a couple thousandths, and it'll go into the control arm more easily.

[@krismichalsky]

This right here.... And sometimes even heating up the part that you're trying to press the bushing in can help as well.

[@StarsetFlight]

Thanks for this, broski!! I watch your videos for so many Honda tutorials. This is gonna be dope for when I use all these old Integra suspension parts to transform an EG. 🙌🏻

[@TheGreen01Machine]

I don't own a honda, but I love watching your videos. You have a good sense of style when it comes to the way you set up cars and also a great way of explaining all the work you do on them. :)

[@r.a.w.performance6602]

I am loving all the videos! I am glad to know someone in the local area putting out car mod videos.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Rashaad Williams Appreciate it Rashaad!

[@blueprintgville]

Hey Jon I just ordered these for my 91 si and I gave your channel props in the "how did you hear of us" on the buy hardrace website. Keep these quality videos up! I look forward to each one.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Hell yeah man, that's so cool of you! I'll keep doing my best!

[@coolhardware65]

love the dedication you put into these cars is great to still see them on the road I feel that era of the automobile will never return and needs to be preserved. Just wish I was in the states is easier to work on cars there and to be an enthusiast.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Rodolfo Pierre It is, we have tons of access to parts everywhere! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!!

[@housealan334]

Where you wake up to find a new vid from Jon in your inbox! 😎

[@deadassb6638]

Best install videos for Hondas 🙌🏻

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

jonathan cabrejo Thanks dude!

[@efboiz5302]

Finally got all the bushings on the front end done on mine this weekend! No more squeaks 😍

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Nice!!

[@B._Smith]

I've been waiting for these wagon videos. Great work. Thanks for taking the time to put some quality videos together. Im getting ready to help my wagon ride smooth again.

[@jdmphunk1]

Glad to see y’all are from El Paso!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

👍

[@jonnnnnnnnnnno]

What perfect timing! I was just making a list to swap out all my suspension bushings on the wagon. The only differences I'm looking at is probably for the rear swing arm bushing I might look into spherical. That and since my wagon is lifted on the Hardrace rear LCAs I'm going to invert them like I have the OEM ones at the moment. Great video as always man!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Spacerichard Smart for the lifted aspect of reversing the LCA's, I had not though of that but cool to know. If I ever find an RT, it'll be lifted for sure! Why spherical for the RTA bushing?

[@jonnnnnnnnnnno]

Thanks man! Yeah the flipped LCAs made the rear sit at just the correct height to match the front lift. 93 Accord wagon fronts and 98 Integra rears. I'm hoping for a little bit better X-Y Axis movement from the spherical RTA bushing. My wagon is a trail/overland build and I don't want the rubber to flex there as much, especially if I lift it even further. It's just one more variable I won't have to worry about hopefully.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Spacerichard That's smart, especially since you're asking the suspension to do what it wasn't originally intended for which is awesome!! I had originally thought of lifting my wagon when I first got it but thought that would be dumb to lift a 2wd.

[@jonnnnnnnnnnno]

I grew up around rock crawlers and off road builds, so I'm applying what I know about all that to make a decently built offroad wagon. I've seen a few FWD guys that have lifted their wagon, 'Shmaldy' on Instagram has a sick lifted FWD white wagon. Go check it out if you have it, you can find me at Jseaton32 on Instagram. I post wagon stuff pretty often.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Spacerichard Just followed, love how it looks on the Kosei wheels! I'm going to take a look at that fwd lifted one also!

[@kracksmith4ejm1]

always looking forward to new videos of yours. this is something I like to prepare to do too, thanks for the video.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

kracksmith4ejm1 You got it brotha!

[@crxsleeper18]

you do such great quality videos. keep up the good work

[@xjoelthegreatestx1]

Hey jon nice work on the videos. Every time i watch your videos i want to work on my 88 ef.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks Joel. Let's get outside and get to it!

[@xThe_Caveman]

Another Fantastic Video Great work Jon! keep them videos rolling in!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

The_Caveman Thanks Manny, if you ever get into suspension like this, let me know. I'll give you a hand!

[@xThe_Caveman]

Jon Widmer for sure Jon I'll keep you post it on it

[@hotsuace24]

Finally someone who know what hes doing. A1 steak sauce my friend, A1!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Appreciate that buddy!

[@nowaydudehuh8145]

good job John! love your vids! gets me motivated to work on my shit when i watch you wrench on your Honda's thanks!👍✌☝

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

oldskool DA9 Love to inspire others!

[@OhLoki]

i been wanting to do this with my car but was not sure how to do it thank you

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

OhLoki Now you can!

[@NYjetlife]

I pray mine come off this easy 😬🤣

[@jockellis]

Thanks to your next video on the rear I got my RTAs fixed up with new rubber bushings. The front end of my ‘91 wagon has a lot of creaks as I drive. Should replacing the things you did in this video take care of some of those? Stopping at a convenience store for a Coke after welding school a couple of weeks ago I saw a guy in a bronze colored ‘91 wagon pull up to the pump. So as I backed out I rolled down the window and shouted that I liked his car. Before he looked at me he said thank you. Then when he looked at me his head gave a jerk when he realized I was in the same car.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+jockellis It'll probably help. You have a lot of old rubber components that may no longer be holding their shape/position. I'm always saying "hi" to all 88-91 Civic/crxs I see out there also. It's very infrequent these days!

[@jazimmerman32]

Been watching a lot pf your videos awsome great cont3nt.I do have one question what type of press are u using a 2 ton 20 ton press I am looking to buy one

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Joseph da zimmerman Thanks Joe, I'm using the 12 ton. It has worked great for everything I have thrown at it!

[@jazimmerman32]

Thanks..

[@baddestburrito]

I don't race, and my car is stock height, so I initially didn't think this vid's contents would be for me. I was wrong. I enjoyed the heck out of watching. I am sure Jon Widmer is sick of me using the word, "fascinating," but it's true for his videos. Jon could make a video about how to make a peanut butter and jam sandwich, and I would watch the f*ck out of it. Haha.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Baddest Burrito lmao, this video will help for your stock ride too! keep it comfy and crisp at the same time!

[@Officially_Lauro_Built]

I need these in my life.

[@tatialo37]

I have to do the same thing on my eh! lots work!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

ruben torres It's not too hard. the hardest part is pressing the bushings out and in.

[@tatialo37]

Jon Widmer yes definetly! BTW the wagon is badass!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks Ruben, I'm trying to keep it looking good!

[@chadgeissler4544]

Jon, Once again, fantastic video. Getting ready to do this on my EF sedan and DC2. I'm looking at picking up a press at HF. Can I get by doing all the major Honda bushing pressing with a 12k press or do I need the 20k? If I can get away w the 12k I'd rather do that just to save on the space. Thanks, your videos make this look so much easier. Also what HID kit are you using? Thanks, Chad

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Chad Geissler I'm using the 12 ton press also. I have used it for countless ES suspension bushing installs so you'll be good! The HIDs are some eBay generic kit, I bought them a long time ago for like $25 but they work well. Look at OPT7 for their "bullet" style ballast. I have that one on my Si and I really like it.

[@chadgeissler4544]

Thanks Jon, How do you like the Hard race setup for a daily driver?I'm leaving towards it over the Energy set.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Chad Geissler I haven't driven the wagon a ton since install but it feels very nice. Honestly, the ES set isn't a lot more brutal. I have had many ES set over the years and with the right combination of tires and coil/shocks, they feel really nice too. I wanted to try something different this time and I imagine the rubber will act as a more natural shock absorber than the urethane.

[@Ad3lr1o]

Sweet vid bro. Something else to add onto the to-do list for the wagon. Ever consider swapping out your front sway bar for a DA one? Just need the 23mm bushing. Alot smoother ride after swapped mine out

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Wagn _Luv Never knew or heard of it. I think I'll scoop one up at the yard and try it out, thanks!

[@Ad3lr1o]

Jon Widmer i love browsing through all the old forums for random easy mods for the wagon. seen that. tried it. loved it. youll definitely notice the difference once you gottem side by side. tight fight, but with the energy bushings for it was worth the time on it. Youll like it alot brotha

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Wagn _Luv I'm going to try it for sure!

[@SVOHK]

Do you recommend buying complete Hardrace LCA's , or just replace the bushings from the OEM LCA'S ? Is there a benefit of buying a complete new LCA rather than just replacing bushings ? Thanks Jon

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Whichever you prefer. More bling if you want to replace the arms and less work for sure. The new arms are also lighter and easier to replace those bushings when needed.

[@mikevelela8145]

Can you send me the link of the store where I can buy the lower control arm bushing please!! For my Honda civic hatchback 1990, thank you.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

jhpusa.com/collections/front-lower-control-arm-bushings/products/hardrace-front-lower-control-arm-bushings-88-91-civic-crx

[@reza_dc2]

Quality video , makes me want to go out and buy a press. What are the specs on this press ? 12 ton?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Correct, harbor freight. It's been so helpful and I've had it for at least 10 years.

[@jockellis]

My bad, I had a brain fart. But does one need to replace bushings in the upper control arm? My wagon makes a lot of noise in the front and I’m trying to figure all that I probably need to replace and quiet it.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+jockellis Yes, or you can get some brand new when you buy the whole arm.

[@jockellis]

Thanks for your help. Did you replace the rubber bushing on the vertical bolt at the outer end of the control arm. What is it called. Was that a longitudinal crack on the inner end of the control arm that I saw as the piece was in the press? Also, what engine is in your street car and did you do anything to the innards of it?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+jockellis I'm not exactly sure what parts you mean, could you give me time stamps of the 2 parts you're talking about? It's the stock d15b2 engine in my wagon but it is now converted to mpfi with the OBD0 Crx SI parts and also a Crx SI transmission.

[@Hmata95]

Hey Jon If I was looking for a smooth ride for my Wagon would hard race be a better option than using energy suspension bushing for both the front and rear lca? I daily drive my wagon and I have been wanting to replace my bushings with ES bushings since they are a lot cheaper than hardrace or should I spend more money on the hardrace bushing? Thank you!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Honestly I feel like the ES feel good if you have a really nice set of shocks/coils on the car. Hardrace definitely are softer though just because the rubber acts as more of a natural shock absorber.

[@Hmata95]

Thank you I might just go with hardrace.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

👍

[@marcelk4275]

Do you think a bad control arm bushings will cause a little negative caster? Mine is bad and my caster is a -1.6 negative and was wondering if this could be the reason. If not, how to fix it? Thanks

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

It's possible

[@oldsklteg]

Im going 5 lug in the next couple month and have a question for you regarding these front LCA bushings. will send you a text in the a.m.

[@SuperComputerFan]

great work jon

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Sean Prentise Thanks Sean!

[@SuperComputerFan]

Hey I'm the sameone with the ef9 on insta @smlandeezii I always like watching your vids it's really detailed n high quality

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Sean Prentise Oh nice, I know your IG, I follow you already also, thanks for sticking around, watching and commenting!! I appreciate any and all support!

[@beethao5578]

nice work jon

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

bee thao Thanks Bee!

[@nic3guyeddie]

How did those bushings feel after putting them back on the car?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Very nice, a lot of the ride quality was restored and it feels very crisp now.

[@TheJohnnyef9]

I enjoy the sound the press makes when being released lol. What type of press are you using? Ton rating?

[@TheJohnnyef9]

Nvm read in a comment it's a 12ton. :)

[@TheJohnnyef9]

Sorry another question haha. Have you used this press to do front wheel bearings to press in?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

😀👍 Yes, it will work for wheel bearings too just fine!!

[@manuelcastaneda7102]

Hi , just wondering if those bushing will fit my integra 1992 rs or if you have the part number for the lower control arm

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Check the HARDRACE website.

[@StickPeopleAndPuff]

Would replacing the bushings help correct toe? I recently put the Skunk2 UCA camber kit on my CRX and it still pulls hard to the right. My mechanic mention the LCA's

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Not much unless they are completely disintegrated. You may want to see if you have any bent suspension components.

[@VictorRodriguez-nq9xc]

Hey man, ineed to do this to my LCA bushings but Ijust replaced the lower ball joint. Is there any way ican remove the ball joint without damaging it

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Yes. amzn.to/3H8m84s

[@bogdan135]

Snap oversteer in FWD? I'm sold.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

bogdan135 lol, right.

[@jockellis]

Just went on the Hardrace website and noticed that the DX wagon isn’t mentioned as supported. Will the EX or CRX Parts shown transfer to the DX?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+jockellis Yes, they are all the same.

[@1991jdmcivic]

Hey jon I recently noticed that my passenger front wheel seems to be sitting back further in my wheel well then the driver side,have you experienced this before? Do you think this could have something to do with bad radius/strut rod bushings or know what this could be caused by?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Possibly. Is everything stock?

[@1991jdmcivic]

Garage Built Hondas yes everything is stock.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Check the bushing first. If the car is new to you and was purchased like this, it probably has been curbed and something is bent.

[@markrent3269]

another great video cheers

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

mark rent thanks Mark!

[@clinteastwood666]

dope ass wagon

[@azvasamusic7095]

Can you please explain to me the secret to getting the radius rod to line up with the two holes on the lower control arms two holes??

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Push an pull the LCA, get both started. Don't try to tighten one up completely and expect the other to go in. Once both are started then you can finish tightening them completely

[@azvasamusic7095]

@@GarageBuiltHondas I finally got one side this morning I actually put the radius rod on the lca first Then put the radius rod first then the lca Yay And big thanks Also I have like no wiggle room since I put in energy suspension bushings Double thanks for replying so quick

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

You're welcome

[@josephfreeman1427]

do i need a press to do this or is thier another tool i can use

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

You can burn the bushing out, then use a hacksaw to cut the sleeve. Just basic tools but it'll take a little while.

[@josephfreeman1427]

thanks

[@mikevelela8145]

I cant find those bushings in my country, specially the smallers those are that I need, I see that the bushings from the honda prelude from 1983 - 1987 are very similar, Do you think they can fit for my honda civic??

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

No. They're not the same sizes.

[@mikevelela8145]

@@GarageBuiltHondas thank you for your help

[@mikevelela8145]

@@GarageBuiltHondas What other honda car could be the same bushings??

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

No idea, I doubt there's any that are the same. Hondas have all changed over the generations.

[@turbokefhatch9144]

Do u know that size of that big bushing ? And where I can get it ? I have that small ones alredy

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

amzn.to/39U6A5b

[@kacasio1]

Where did you buy your press? I see it in multiple videos and it really beats using a torch and burning out the old ones.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Kevin Acasio I'm using the harbor freight 12 ton press, been working wonderfully for years! It's gotten pretty beat up from all the use and both arbor plates have cracked into pieces.

[@kacasio1]

Thank you! Love the channel. I dont even own an EF, I have an EK sedan, but your videos are so enjoyable, I had to subscribe! If you ever consider getting an EK, that would be amazing, it would really be nice of you to go through the brakes and suspension from a lower end DX hatch or LX. I know that would cost you some money, but it would give you a greater reach into the Honda community. Especially for us younger guys, since many of the old Hondatech forum posts are dead, or the links and pics arent working. Keep up the good work!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Kevin Acasio Thanks for being a part of my community, every single person who subs and especially comments, that means so much to me, I just love trying to help out. And I would love to one day, but honestly if life plans work out, it wouldn't be able to happen until 2019-2020 (wife and I are "probably" buying a new house). And we would get one with a huge yard, and build an extra garage in the backyard for all my beaters! And if I had the room, an EG, EK, and something RWD are on my want list!! But who knows what'll happen, I hope to continue growing here and trying to make fun/interesting/informative videos!

[@kacasio1]

Thats sounds awesome! I know that struggle man, I am in Hawaii, and the average home price for some small townhouse is $725,000. Ill try my best to like more of your videos, and hopefully this youtube thing can turn into a viable secondary income and be self-sustainable! Your videos have inspired me to look for an EF hatch here in Hawaii, which is getting really hard to do. If you can, can you do a buyer guide for EF's so we know what is a good buy and what isnt? going over common issues and what to look out for?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Kevin Acasio I think I'm going to try putting one together. I had another person ask me last week to do the same thing! Let me see what I can come up with! And yes, I hope it stays growing as it has been! I want to start incorporating more cars of people in town, whether it be racing or show cars, I think that would help!

[@g35tho11]

So no lube when pressing bushings back on front lower control arms?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Not Hardrace

[@jdmgarage2191]

Hey Jon if I get the same ones for my 1991 Honda Civic Dx will it be the same because I did a rear disc conversion on the back

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Bernie Reyes which part?

[@Mimamau]

Nice video. What's that box you mounted at the end?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Marius Schäfer The Little metal boxes? Those are the ballasts that power my HID headlights. I tucked them under the bumper for a cleaner look.

[@jockellis]

After you take the nut off the. ball joint at the bottom, how do you get the bolt away from the hub?

[@jockellis]

Never mind. I took the easy route. Having broken my Snapon M17 combination wrench that would have turned 50 this summer I put s cheap 11/16” on the front screw then put a small C clamp around the top of the wrench and the bottom of the LCB. I used another big wrench as a cheater bar and, knowing the wrench wouldn’t fall off, pulled for all I was worth. Only problem was I forgot to wear gloves and that grease is nasty. Supper time now.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+jockellis lol, love it!

[@streetfighters805]

I know I’m late but thank you!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

No prob

[@SR_KSERIES]

Nice!

[@Dannyass1233]

Say what type of sockets do you end up using on the bottom ?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

14, 17

[@Dannyass1233]

@@GarageBuiltHondas lol I was trying to get the same size socket you used to press out the old ones. And I'm interested in knowing what size socket you used to put under so that the old bushing don't get stuck!?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I'm using a harbor freight set of impact sockets. I couldn't tell you what they are now. It's been a long time since I did this.

[@migmog3060]

What’s the part number for the radius rod bushings

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

amzn.to/2RFeto2

[@XxI187UxX]

Where did you get the intake??

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

eBay