Dave Wick wrote:
> I have an extremely nice 1990 Civic DX 4-door 5-speed 1.5L with about 135K
> miles. The rear trailing arm bushings (the big ones) are squeaking/creaking
> and I'm contemplating a little suspension work. So ...

are you sure it's the bushings and not the springs?

>
> Should I go through the entire front and rear suspensions and replace ALL
> the rubber items plus upper and lower ball joints?

how much time and money do you want to spend? i've replaced all the
bushings in my civics over the years, and by far the most important are
the big ones in the lower rear trailing arms.

> The job really doesn't
> worry assuming I can get my hands on the proper tools.
>
> What about those upper ball joints? Do they ever really go bad or not?

absolutely. depends how you drive. if you corner hard, they tend to go
sooner.

> Would I be better off purchasing the upper a-arm assembly (that price looks
> good when one considers the bushings and potential ball joint)?

that's the only "honda" choice you get. any other ball joint-only
solution is after-market.

>
> Should I only replace the "main" bushings? What qualifies as "main"? Only
> the big ones in the rear and only the two per side on the long lower arm?
> More? What ones?

see above.

>
> Are there any special tips/tricks I should know? I want to restore the
> factory ride, handling and noise level (I'm not going to poly bushings!) and
> would plan on purchasing genuine Honda parts. Is there anything I should
> consider doing different ... different bushings in certain areas ...
> whatever, but again, noise and ride quality are the top priorities ... this
> won't be a race car for a long time ... if ever :-)

factory is good enough. king motor sports sell mugen bushings which are
genuine honda spec, only with a harder rubber for racing. they're top
quality and don't squeak like urethane, /but/ they can make the ride a
little harsh for some tastes - like mine.

>
> Now ... about those tools ...
>
> I've seen a really neat tool for the rear trailing arm bushings from Schley.
> What else is needed?

ball joint separator.
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/disconnect.html

also, penetrating oil and maybe replacement bolts if there's rust

>
> Can these be rented/borrowed from anywhere? Does the typical Auto Zone have
> the required tools? Other sources? Or do I just have to really consider
> buying a few tools.
>
> Thanks a ton for any info!
>
> Dave
> '90 Civic - extremely nice
> '91 Civic - beater
> '89 Mustang GT
>
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