A Guide to the Front Suspension Control Arm on the 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey
Hearing clunks or feeling wobbly steering in your Odyssey? Your control arms might be the problem.
- The most common failure points are the rubber bushings and the ball joint, not the arm itself.
- Key symptoms include clunking noises over bumps, unstable steering, and uneven tire wear.
- It is critical to replace control arms in pairs (left and right) and get a professional wheel alignment immediately after installation.
- Aftermarket brands like Delphi and Mevotech offer excellent quality and value compared to expensive OEM dealer parts.
Is Your Odyssey's Suspension Making Noise?
If you're hearing clunking, popping, or groaning noises from the front of your 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey, especially when driving over bumps or making turns, there's a good chance the front lower control arms need attention. These are common wear items, and their failure is usually due to worn-out rubber bushings or a failing ball joint, not the metal arm itself. When these parts wear, they can no longer hold the wheel securely, leading to a range of symptoms.
🎬 Watch: How to test for a bad lower control armTop 4 Signs of a Bad Control Arm
- Clunking or Knocking Noises: This is the most common symptom. You'll hear it most when going over speed bumps, pulling into driveways, or during braking. This sound is the result of a worn bushing or ball joint allowing metal parts to hit each other.
- Shaky or Unstable Steering: Your steering wheel might vibrate, or the van may feel like it's wandering on the road, forcing you to make constant small corrections to drive straight. This looseness means the wheel isn't being held firmly in place.
- Pulling to One Side: A bad control arm can throw off your alignment, causing the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Check your front tires. If the inside or outside edge is wearing down much faster than the rest of the tire, it's a classic sign that a worn control arm has ruined the alignment. 🎬 See how to diagnose and repair front end noises
No Recalls, But a Known Issue
While there are no official recalls or specific Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Honda for control arm failure on the 2011-2017 Odyssey, the bushings are a widely recognized weak point. The heavy front end of the minivan puts a lot of stress on these rubber components, causing them to crack and tear over time.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Control Arm
When you replace a control arm, you're also getting a new ball joint and new bushings, which solves the problem. You don't need to buy expensive Original Equipment (OEM) parts from a Honda dealer. Aftermarket parts offer good quality and value. Here’s a breakdown of common brands.
Premium Aftermarket Brands
These brands are known for high quality, often meeting or exceeding OEM standards. They are an excellent choice for longevity and peace of mind.
- Delphi: A well-respected brand that is also an OEM supplier for many car manufacturers. Their parts are known for quality and reliability that is often on par with the original parts.
- Moog: Long considered a top-tier aftermarket brand, Moog is a popular choice. However, some mechanics note that their quality can be hit-or-miss in recent years. They often feature serviceable (greasable) ball joints.
Mid-Range & Value Brands
These brands offer a good balance of price and quality. They are solid choices for a daily-driven family vehicle.
- Mevotech: Known for making “problem-solver” parts that are often designed to be stronger than the original. They offer different lines, like their higher-quality Supreme or TTX series, providing a good mix of performance and value.
- Beck Arnley: This brand specializes in parts for import vehicles like your Honda. They often source their parts from various manufacturers, sometimes even the original OEM supplier, to match the specific needs of the vehicle.
Economy Brands
These brands are more budget-focused. They can be a good option if cost is the primary concern.
- Dorman: Dorman offers a huge variety of parts and is known for creating “OE FIX” parts that address common failure points. Their quality can be inconsistent; some parts are great, while others are just basic replacements.
- Suspensia: A less common, budget-oriented brand. Quality and longevity may not match the premium or mid-range options.
Pro Tip: Replace in Pairs
It is highly recommended to replace both the left and right control arms at the same time. Suspension parts wear out at a similar rate. If one side has failed, the other side is likely not far behind. Replacing them in pairs ensures balanced handling and prevents you from having to do the same job again in a few months.
| Part Type | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| New OEM (Dealer) | $620 - $917 |
| New Aftermarket | $51 - $120 |
| Shop Labor (per side) | $150 - $300 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to get an alignment after replacing the control arms?
Yes, absolutely. Replacing a control arm will always change the wheel alignment. You MUST get a professional four-wheel alignment immediately after the job is done. Skipping this step will cause poor handling and will quickly destroy your tires.
Can I just replace the bushings instead of the whole arm?
While it is technically possible, it is not recommended. Pressing old bushings out and new ones in requires special hydraulic press tools. The labor cost to do this often exceeds the cost of a complete new control arm assembly, which already includes new bushings and a new ball joint. Buying the complete arm is faster, easier, and more cost-effective.
Is this a difficult DIY job?
For an experienced DIY mechanic with the right tools, this is a manageable job that takes about 1-2 hours per side. It requires safely lifting and supporting the vehicle, a good set of metric sockets and wrenches, a torque wrench, and a tool to separate the ball joint. 🎬 Follow this step-by-step control arm replacement walkthrough A critical step is that the final tightening of the bushing bolts must be done with the full weight of the van on its suspension, not while it's hanging in the air.
What are the torque specs for the control arm bolts?
According to one installation guide, the two main bushing bolts should be torqued to 83 ft-lbs. The ball joint castle nut has a two-step process: torque to 47 ft-lbs, then continue tightening only until the slot lines up for the cotter pin. Always verify torque specs with a reliable service manual for your specific vehicle.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 51360-TK8-A01 51350-TK8-A01 51360-TK8-A00 51350-TK8-A00
The assembly includes the control arm, two rubber bushings for frame mounting, and an integrated, non-serviceable ball joint for knuckle attachment. The front lower control arms are specific to the left (driver) and right (passenger) sides.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Honda Odyssey:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Odyssey's Suspension Making Noise?
- Top 4 Signs of a Bad Control Arm
- No Recalls, But a Known Issue
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Control Arm
- Premium Aftermarket Brands
- Mid-Range & Value Brands
- Economy Brands
- Pro Tip: Replace in Pairs
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 🎟️ Get 5% Off