Parts for your 2013 Honda Civic-Control arms

2013 Honda Civic Control Arms: Purpose, Care, and When to Replace

Based on technical references including the Honda Civic 2012–2015 Service Manual (Suspension section), Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC), and OEM suspension diagrams, the 2013 Honda Civic is fitted with control arms. The front uses a MacPherson strut layout with a lower control arm, and the rear uses a multi-link arrangement incorporating control arms and links. So, control arms are absolutely relevant to servicing a 2013 Honda Civic.

On this Civic, the control arms anchor the wheel hubs to the chassis, guiding up-and-down movement while keeping alignment angles steady. They carry bushings to absorb vibration and a ball joint (front) to allow steering and suspension articulation. When in good nick, they help deliver a quiet ride, predictable turn-in, and even tyre wear.

As part of routine servicing, it pays to inspect control arm bushings for cracks, softness, or splitting, and check the ball joint boots for tears or grease leakage. Any play, clunks over bumps, or wandering at highway speeds can point to worn bushings or joints. Because alignment is affected, uneven tyre wear (especially inner edges) is a common giveaway.

• Typical symptoms: knocking over bumps, steering shimmy, braking instability, uneven tyre wear, or the car pulling to one side.
• Inspection tips: lever the arm with a pry bar to check bush movement, look for torn rubber, and feel for ball joint play, always inspect under load and at ride height.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: the arm unbolts from the subframe and knuckle, then the new arm is torqued with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bushings. It’s wise to use new bolts where specified in the workshop manual. After any control arm or bushing work, a four-wheel alignment is a must to protect tyres and restore handling.

For Aussie and Kiwi drivers, a practical schedule is to have the arms checked at each service or at least every 20,000–30,000 km, and before a roadworthy/WOF. Urban potholes, gravel, and spirited driving can accelerate wear, so listen for changes and book in early if something feels off. If one front arm is cactus, many workshops recommend doing both sides to keep things balanced. Quality OEM-equivalent arms or genuine bushings tend to last longer and ride nicer than bargain-basement options, saving money on tyres and alignments over the long haul.

Popular questions about 2013 Honda Civic control arms

Do 2013 Honda Civics have both front and rear control arms?
Yes. The front suspension is MacPherson strut with a lower control arm, and the rear uses a multi-link setup that includes control arms/links. This layout is confirmed by the Honda Civic 2012–2015 Service Manual and OEM parts diagrams.

How long do control arm bushings last, and what might replacement cost?
Many drivers see 80,000–150,000 km from bushings, depending on roads and driving style. Costs vary: budgeting roughly $350–$900 AUD/NZD per front side fitted (arm, labour, and alignment) is common, but pricing swings with brand choice and workshop rates. Bush-only jobs can be cheaper but may take more labour.

Is it safe to drive with worn control arm bushings or a loose ball joint?
Not really. Worn bushings or a sloppy ball joint can cause instability, braking shimmy, and rapid tyre wear. A severely worn ball joint can fail, which is a genuine safety risk. Best to book an inspection promptly and sort it before it gets worse.