Parts for your 2013 Honda Cr-v-Control arms

2013 Honda CR‑V Control Arms

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2013 Honda CR‑V. Honda’s 2012–2014 CR‑V Service Manual (Front and Rear Suspension sections) specifies a MacPherson strut front suspension with a stamped steel lower control arm, and a rear multi‑link layout that also incorporates control arms. Honda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) diagrams and well‑regarded workshop databases such as Mitchell 1/ALLDATA list front lower control arm assemblies, bushings and ball joints, along with rear control arm components for this model year. That makes control arms highly relevant to servicing a 2013 CR‑V.

On this CR‑V, the control arms locate the wheels fore‑and‑aft and side‑to‑side, keeping alignment steady through bumps, braking and cornering. Up front, each arm carries a ball joint for the steering knuckle and large rubber bushings (including the compliance bushing) to soak up vibration. Out back, the multi‑link design uses arms and bushings to control toe and camber as the suspension moves. When everything’s in good nick, the SUV tracks straight, steering feels consistent and tyre wear stays even.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for control arms, they’re serviced on condition. During routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the front lower control arm bushings and ball joints and check the rear links for cracked or leaking bushings. Typical clues that it’s time for attention include:

• Clunks or knocks over speed humps and rough roads
• Steering shimmy, wandering, or a pull under braking
• Uneven or rapid tyre wear, especially on the inner edges
• Perished, torn or oil‑soaked rubber bushings, ball joint play

When replacement’s due, many owners choose complete arm assemblies up front to refresh the ball joint and bushings in one go, though individual bushings can be pressed in with the right gear. Use new self‑locking nuts where specified, torque fasteners at normal ride height, and always organise a four‑wheel alignment afterwards—rear arm/bushing wear can shift toe and camber on this model. Given the CR‑V’s weight and typical city‑to‑country use, it’s sensible to recheck suspension every 20,000–30,000 km or annually, and after any pothole whack that felt a bit ordinary.

Quality matters: OE or reputable aftermarket arms and bushings tend to last longer and keep noise and vibration down. Replacing left and right sides together is often good value, restoring balance and saving a second alignment down the track.

Popular questions about 2013 Honda CR‑V control arms

How can someone tell if the front control arm bushings are worn?
They’ll usually hear dull clunks on take‑off, braking or over potholes, feel vague steering, or see uneven tyre wear. A technician can lever the arm to spot cracked or torn rubber, and check for ball joint play. If the compliance bushing has split, the car may pull under braking.

Is a wheel alignment needed after replacing control arms?
Yes. Any change to arms, bushings or ball joints can alter camber and toe. The CR‑V’s rear multi‑link is especially sensitive, so a four‑wheel alignment is recommended to keep tyre wear even and restore proper handling.

Should both front control arms be replaced at the same time?
It’s not mandatory, but it’s often a smart move. If one side’s bushings or ball joint are tired, the other side is usually close behind. Doing both sides maintains balance and can save on labour and alignment costs.