92 Integra DA - Alignment questions: control arms or tie rods?

[NayborhoodJohnny]

my cars alignment is off at the moment. I bought new cv axles. My mechanic told me to buy new front lower control arms before i aligned. my trust in this mechanic is a 5 out of 10. what do tie rods do? what do the lower control arms do? in which cases should i replace them? what other parts are linked to my cars alignment problems?

This ad is not displayed to registered or logged-in members. Register your free account today and become a member on Honda-Tech!

[God-Driven]

all cars have inner and outher tie rods, the outher tie rod is connected to the inner and the inner is connected to the rack and pinion the TOE is adjusted with this two, he told you to replace the lower control arms cuz maybe theres play in the ball joint, the ball joint is pressed into the lower control arm and in some models it has to be replace with the entire control arm and its also a lot easier to do, if theres play in the ball joint this could affect the CAMBER in the car if so most likely the inside of your tires is wearing out way too fast, the CAMBER can not be adjusted from the factory in Integras you have to buy adjustable upper control arms but if there is play on the lower control arm just replace it and that should fix it.

[Double Agent]

God-Driven hit the nail on the head. The only thing to add is that on a 92 Integra the lower ball joint is in the steering knuckle, not the lower control arm. The ball joint can be changed on DA Integras by removing the snap ring and hammering the ball joint out. Tap in a new ball joint and install a new snap ring and you are good to go.

Unless your lower control arms have become bent from an accident, etc., the only thing that can go wrong with them are the bushings. If the bushings are bad, it may be cheaper to replace the whole control arm rather than change the bushings, depending on labor prices.