[curls]

I need to replace my front left upper control arm - mechanic said the ball joint is worn and can be moved a 'fair amount' when prying with a bar.
I plan to do the work myself but am wondering -- if I'm replacing an OEM upper control arm with an OE replacement (Moog or Dorman or similar)... will an alignment be required?

 

[HoRRo]

I need to replace my front left upper control arm - mechanic said the ball joint is worn and can be moved a 'fair amount' when prying with a bar.
I plan to do the work myself but am wondering -- if I'm replacing an OEM upper control arm with an OE replacement (Moog or Dorman or similar)... will an alignment be required?

Not required. Manual states: "Check the front wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary."

 

[DDT]

Checking is definitely a worthwhile thing to do. A lot of shops charge you a reduced price just to get a read - i.e. check the alignment and then you decide whether to adjust.

 

[webbpaul]

most likely, just check and adjust if needed

 

[AndrewCjDuong]

First things first. Replace both front upper control arms. The other side will go in 1-2 months. I can bet you that much

As for alignment, it will depend on your upper control arm. Is it adjustable or is it OEM replacement. I had mine replaced with OEM ones and they're non adjustable therefore I didn't do an alignment.

For precaution, I'd probably recommend it since I do it almost every year but like I said, it's up to you.

 

[curls]

Andrew - thanks. I considered that, but the R side upper arm i think was replaced about 4 years ago with OEM when some lady hit my car to the tune of like $7000 in a Home Depot parking lot. LOL. I might order both sides anyhow, from rockauto.com, and pick up in a few weeks in Ogdensburg. 1 arm here = 2 arms there... same price. gouging at its finest.

 

[DDT]

I might order both sides anyhow, from rockauto.com, and pick up in a few weeks in Ogdensburg. 1 arm here = 2 arms there... same price. gouging at its finest.

:sprint: I stopped buying anything from Acura in Canada unless it's a bolt or a clip. Most parts are 2-for-1 when comparing US pricing to Canadian even with shipping.

Why not get the skunk2 camber arms while you are at it then? It's about double the price of 2 US priced upper control arms but you get adjustability for the future.

 

[AndrewCjDuong]

Andrew - thanks. I considered that, but the R side upper arm i think was replaced about 4 years ago with OEM when some lady hit my car to the tune of like $7000 in a Home Depot parking lot. LOL. I might order both sides anyhow, from rockauto.com, and pick up in a few weeks in Ogdensburg. 1 arm here = 2 arms there... same price. gouging at its finest.

Go to Trackwerks in Merivale and talk to Geoff or Josh and tell them I sent you. I ordered my OEM upper control arm replacements and they were like under $100 bucks for both sides or something. I remember it being considerably cheaper than Acura USA online store or Acura Canada (of course).

They're amazing for OEM parts. I swear they always get the best prices for our cars.

 

[curls]

Go to Trackwerks in Merivale and talk to Geoff or Josh and tell them I sent you. I ordered my OEM upper control arm replacements and they were like under $100 bucks for both sides or something. I remember it being considerably cheaper than Acura USA online store or Acura Canada (of course).

They're amazing for OEM parts. I swear they always get the best prices for our cars.

I've dealt with Josh before for a shift knob for my cousin in a secret-Santa exchange. That shift knob got him into his own car parts business all4track.com (based in Ottawa, 90% of customers in USA LOL). He can't get OEM, but if Trackwerks can, I'll call 'em up! Just tell them Andrew with the TSX sent me?

 

[AndrewCjDuong]

I've dealt with Josh before for a shift knob for my cousin in a secret-Santa exchange. That shift knob got him into his own car parts business all4track.com (based in Ottawa, 90% of customers in USA LOL). He can't get OEM, but if Trackwerks can, I'll call 'em up! Just tell them Andrew with the TSX sent me?

Yeah, they know me. I literally just got my upper controls arms from them about 2 weeks ago. Josh's gf also drives a white TSX on BBS LM's.

 

[curls]

Ordered.

 

[AndrewCjDuong]

Ordered.

You bought it from them? How much did they charge you. Forgot lol.

 

[curls]

Same as you: $112 for both, taxes in. They aren't OEM but are 'high quality, good replacements... better than grey box stuff' according to Geoff.

 

[Keyz]

I need to replace my front left upper control arm - mechanic said the ball joint is worn and can be moved a 'fair amount' when prying with a bar.
I plan to do the work myself but am wondering -- if I'm replacing an OEM upper control arm with an OE replacement (Moog or Dorman or similar)... will an alignment be required?

I've replaced my R side upper control arm with OE replacement (don't remember the brand) that I got off Rockauto. When I've done an alignment 6 months later front wheels were within spec.

 

[AndrewCjDuong]

Same as you: $112 for both, taxes in. They aren't OEM but are 'high quality, good replacements... better than grey box stuff' according to Geoff.

Good good! Glad they took care of you. Ahaha