Parts for your 2009 Honda Accord-Control arms

2009 Honda Accord control arms — what they do and when to sort them

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2009 Honda Accord. Technical references including the Honda Service Manual (2008–2012 Accord), Honda’s electronic parts catalogue and OEM parts diagrams confirm the front suspension is double‑wishbone (with upper and lower control arms and a ball joint), while the rear is a multi‑link layout that also uses lateral control arms and bushes. Industry guides such as Haynes/Chilton manuals and dealer bulletins additionally note wear at the front lower compliance bush — all pointing to control arms being integral to this model’s suspension.

On a 2009 Accord, control arms connect the wheel hubs to the chassis, guiding up‑and‑down movement while keeping alignment true. The arms pivot on bushes and, at the steering knuckle, a ball joint allows smooth articulation. The result is tidy handling, solid braking stability and even tyre wear — exactly what owners expect from an Accord.

Over time, rubber bushes can crack or leak (the front lower “hydro” bush is a known wear item), and ball joints loosen. When that happens, the car starts to feel vague or clunky over bumps, and tyres can scrub out faster than they should. Left too long, braking can feel twitchy and steering response goes off.

• Common signs it’s time to act:
  • Clunks or creaks over speed humps and driveway lips
  • Steering wander, tramlining or a kickback through the wheel
  • Uneven or rapid inner/outer tyre wear
  • Shimmy under braking or during quick lane changes

Replacement choices include pressing in new bushes/ball joints or fitting complete arms. Many shops prefer complete arms (especially for the front upper arm with integral ball joint) because they save time and ensure fresh pivots all round. If just doing bushes, quality matters — go for reputable brands or genuine parts to keep noise and vibration down.

• Handy servicing tips for a 2009 Accord:
  • Replace in axle pairs for balanced handling
  • Torque arm bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushes
  • Book a wheel alignment immediately after any arm/bush work
  • Inspect sway‑bar links and tie‑rod ends while you’re there
  • Use new self‑locking nuts where specified in the Honda manual

A well‑sorted set of control arms brings the Accord back to its confident, composed best — quiet over bumps, planted in corners and gentle on tyres kilometre after kilometre.

Does the 2009 Honda Accord have control arms front and rear?

Yes. The 2009 Accord uses a double‑wishbone front end with upper and lower control arms, plus a multi‑link rear that incorporates lateral control arms. This layout is documented in the Honda Service Manual and OEM parts catalogues for the 2008–2012 generation.

What are the most common symptoms of worn control arm bushes on this model?

Owners often notice clunks over bumps, a vague or wandering feel at motorway speeds, and uneven tyre wear. The front lower compliance bush can crack or leak, which may also show up as a shimmy under braking or a sharp thud on potholes.

Should they replace bushes only, or fit complete control arms?

Both approaches work. Pressing in quality bushes can be cost‑effective, but complete arms with pre‑installed bushes and ball joints save labour and reduce the chance of squeaks or premature wear. Many workshops fit complete front upper arms and consider full lower arms when the hydro‑bushes are tired.