I have been doing a lot of research on a suspension refresh but need some advice. Currently, my car sits at around 135k miles and my compliance bushings are shot. Since I will need to replace those, debating how far I should go in my refresh to replace other components "while I am in there". I figured at them minimum I would get brand new LCA, end links and (possibly) lower ball joints.

1. Should I also replace upper ball joint?
2. Should I replace outer + inner tie rods as well?
3. Debating if it's also worth replacing my wheel bearings + hub?

If I do replace wheel bearing + hub, it almost seems to save more time and headache to replace the entire knuckle assembly right? It looks to me like it comes with a new ball joint, wheel bearing and hub. From my research it looks like the lower ball joint replacement is the biggest PITA. Haven't seen anyone on the forum recommend replacing the entire knuckle so I'm wondering if there's any reason to not go that route and to just replace individual components instead?

Edit: Brand new OEM shocks were already replaced about <30k miles ago. Car was previously lowered.

 

I would advise just replacing what the car needs based on inspection. Don't go out of your way.

Buy a lifetime alignment in case you need future work. You should have the alignment checked once a year anyway.

And always buy your chassis parts (ball joints, tie rods, etc) from a Honda/Acura dealer and install them carefully, per the FSM. Don't use aftermarket parts.

 

Okay in that case I may only need to replace my LCA then. Ball joints don't seem torn at all so may wait to replace those in the future. My only concern is that would worn out components (ball joints, tie rods, etc.) put more stress on a brand new LCA? Or is that something I don't need to worry about.

 

Nope, worn out ball joints and tie rods won't directly put extra stress on your LCA.

A tip for the LCA. While its a lot easier to buy an aftermarket LCA and just bolt it in.... none of them have bushings as good as the factory ones.

If you are able, and your factory LCA's themselves are not damaged, the best way is to replace just your bushings with Acura dealer sourced replacements.

If that sounds like too much trouble, Moog makes a decent LCA, if you want to go aftermarket. My Moog's made it for a little while (35K miles?) until the compliance bushing actually came out of the LCA.

My Mevotech shock to LCA bushing failed instantly. Like...less than a week.

Beck Arnley is hit or miss, depending on which manufacturer they chose that week.

Hardrace is a great option, but pricey.

And with any rubber bushing....make sure you clock the bushings per the factory manual. Do not tighten the bushing bolts with the car jacked up and the suspension drooping.

 

Thank you for the tip! Yes I plan to get a brand new OEM LCA, expensive but I know OEM quality is worth it. Don't really want to deal with the hassle of pressing in the new bushings, might as well pay a bit of premium to buy a new arm with 3 new bushings. I would at least save some $$$ by DIYing the LCA install.

 

Would you advise against JUST replacing the compliance bushing if I were to go that route? Is it best to replace either full arm/all 3 bushings at the same time?

 

At 135K, I'd do them all, but you could probably get away with just the compliance bushings.

The OEM Type S compliance bushings are really nicely made, BTW. Idk if you're already considering those.

The 2 smaller ones are super easy to do. Actually, if you're not in a road salt rusty area, they're all super easy to do.

Use something like this for the whole job. Cheap and easy to store....and super helpful.

https://a.co/d/3mfImzV

Additionally, you can rent a ball joint/u joint press kit from a parts store if you need a clamping tool or extra cups.