DIY Lower Control Arms

[chuck5104]

I was installing prothane bushings in my rear lower control arms and rather than reusing the old bushing sleeves, I saw an opportunity for a quick fab project and I never turn down the chance to break out the Hobart. I just took some measurements and used the steel sleeves that come with the prothane kit and some square steel tubing and made a set of arms that the bushings will slip right in to. I coped the square Tubes with a hole saw for a nice tight fit. Here is everything staged together so you have an idea of what's going on.

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This is how I kept everything from moving around and shimmed up the square tube to sit evenly in the center of the sleeves.
8595
Here they are all tacked together.
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And here is a pair all welded together with bushings installed.
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I know there isn't any huge advantage here, but like I said, any chance to bring out the welder! Makes bushing swap a breeze if these poly bushings ever fail, though.

[2ndGenGuy]

Nice work! Always cool to see some fab work going on here.

[Shane86]

I was installing prothane bushings in my rear lower control arms and rather than reusing the old bushing sleeves, I saw an opportunity for a quick fab project and I never turn down the chance to break out the Hobart. I just took some measurements and used the steel sleeves that come with the prothane kit and some square steel tubing and made a set of arms that the bushings will slip right in to. I coped the square Tubes with a hole saw for a nice tight fit. Here is everything staged together so you have an idea of what's going on.

8594
This is how I kept everything from moving around and shimmed up the square tube to sit evenly in the center of the sleeves.
8595
Here they are all tacked together.
8596
And here is a pair all welded together with bushings installed.
8597
I know there isn't any huge advantage here, but like I said, any chance to bring out the welder! Makes bushing swap a breeze if these poly bushings ever fail, though.

Nice work

[Oldblueaccord]

Not doubting your work but welded anything in suspension parts is not usually a good idea. Welded stainless steel parts even worse.... comment aimed at someone who sells this stuff.

[chuck5104]

No worries, caution is always best. I'm not a pro by any stretch, but I've had a few years under the welding hood and put several thousands of miles on two wheeled vehicles of my own creation. I considered the stock construction of the arms and I believe what I have here is as strong if not stronger. I wouldn't do this for any ride but my own, I just like to see what other people are building and share my own projects from time to time. What's the story behind the stainless comment?

[slithica]

I'm probably going to end up doing this. I cannot find stock rear lower control arms and mine were badly bent. They seem to bend pretty easily.

I used a second accord car I bought for parts and was able to get 4 rear lower ones that worked but I am worried about the future. I like this idea.

[gp02a0083]

I'm probably going to end up doing this. I cannot find stock rear lower control arms and mine were badly bent. They seem to bend pretty easily.

I used a second accord car I bought for parts and was able to get 4 rear lower ones that worked but I am worried about the future. I like this idea.

I believe the stock lowers are in a sense made that way. The thought behind why they are made weaker is in case of an accident, IMO it would tend to save the rear sub-frame from damage. Kinda the reason I will not install the machined ones on my daily hatchback


No worries, caution is always best. I'm not a pro by any stretch, but I've had a few years under the welding hood and put several thousands of miles on two wheeled vehicles of my own creation. I considered the stock construction of the arms and I believe what I have here is as strong if not stronger. I wouldn't do this for any ride but my own, I just like to see what other people are building and share my own projects from time to time. What's the story behind the stainless comment?

not sure, but i know with my limited experience welding SS, gotta have the right gas and setup or the welds are junk. I've seen built suspension parts, good and bad, even more-so that you EXACTLY know what you are doing or just have it done professionally.

[slithica]

I'm planning to do what he did but to use a solid iron bar and cut a line in it for bolts.

each control arm would be in two pieces joined by a few bolts in the middle to adjust length. That way I can actually have it aligned properly and the failure point would be the center. Stronger than original arms by a smidge but still bend before the subframe.

Besides, if the old ones bend and you cannot buy new, not much of an option. Gotta go with hand made.