Parts for your 2014 Honda Accord-Control arms

2014 Honda Accord control arms: what they do and when to replace them

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2014 Honda Accord. Technical references including the Honda Accord 2013–2014 Service Manual, Honda genuine parts catalogue diagrams, and common OE listings confirm a MacPherson strut front end with lower control arms (with integrated ball joints) and a multi‑link rear that employs upper and lower control arms. Typical front lower arm OE references for this model family include assemblies supplied with pre‑installed bushes and ball joint, underscoring that the part is serviceable as a unit.

On this Accord, the control arms locate the wheels fore‑aft and side‑to‑side, keep alignment steady under braking and cornering, and let the suspension articulate while the bushes soak up vibration. When the bushes split or the ball joint loosens, owners cop clunks over bumps, steering wander, uneven tyre wear, and a skittish feel on rough Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Servicing advice for a 2014 Accord is pretty straightforward: inspect control arm bushes and ball joints at regular services, especially from about 80,000–120,000 km or sooner if the car sees corrugations, heavy loads, or lots of city speed‑humps. Look for torn rubber, leaking fluid from hydraulic bushes, excessive play at the ball joint, and uneven tyre wear patterns.

• Common symptoms: clunks on take‑off or over bumps, shimmy under braking, tramlining, inside edge tyre wear, and vague steering.
• Best practice on replacement: use new hardware where specified, torque fasteners at normal ride height, and follow the factory tightening sequence.
• Always finish with a four‑wheel alignment. Front camber is largely fixed, toe is adjustable. Rear toe is adjustable, camber correction may need aftermarket arms if it’s out of spec.

Many quality aftermarket arms come with bushes and ball joint pressed in, saving time and avoiding press work. If one front arm is flogged out, it’s common to replace the pair so steering feel and tyre wear stay even. For cars with persistent pull or brake shimmy after new arms, check struts, top mounts, and tyres as well.

For longevity, keep tyres at proper pressures, rotate on schedule, and address any knock or wander early—letting worn bushes go too long can take tyres and other suspension bits with them. With fresh control arms and a proper alignment, the Accord feels tight, tracks straight, and rides the way Honda intended.

FAQs

How do I know if my 2014 Accord’s control arm bushes are worn?
Drivers usually notice dull thuds over speed bumps, steering that won’t settle, or inside edge tyre wear. A visual check often shows cracked or torn rubber. A tech can lever the arm to spot excess movement and check the ball joint for play.

If the car changes lane with road camber, darts on coarse chip, or vibrates under braking, add bushes and ball joints to the shortlist before chasing wheel balance.

Do I need an alignment after replacing a control arm on a 2014 Accord?
Yes. Any time a control arm or related hardware is disturbed, the geometry can shift. A four‑wheel alignment resets front toe and rear toe, and verifies camber. If rear camber sits out of spec, ask about adjustable arms or camber kits.

Should I replace both front control arms at once?
It’s sensible. Age and kilometres affect both sides, and doing them together keeps steering feel consistent. Most replacement arms include new bushes and a new ball joint, which avoids pressing parts and saves shop time.