Replacement LCA from Mevotech (CMS861133) (https://www.mevotech.com/part/CMS861...t-buyers-guide) and stock ball spindle are not compatible. It appears the spindle is a hair too big (1-2 mm) for the replacement control arm. Tried hammering it in with no luck. Not a factory defect as I tried the spindle on the replacement part for the other side of the car and had the same issue. No issues otherwise with the LCA.

Has anyone ever experienced this before? Would it be stupid of me to grind down the ball spindle to fit the hole of the replacement LCA? Or drill into the LCA hole to fit the stock ball spindle? I am guessing that its a terrible idea.

Found a legacy thread from a Honda forum (https://honda-tech.com/forums/acura-...d-way-3278594/) that talks about similar incompatibility.

EDIT: this is for a 2010 AWD GS350

 

You're trying to mate a Mevotech control arm to the factory ball joint do I have that right? I don't like the idea of grinding down suspension parts.

 

That is correct. There was not a replacement aftermarket ball joint from Mevotech or anyone else (purchased from RockAuto). Aside from surface rust, it is in good condition after 180k miles. Maybe instead of grinding, I use sandpaper?

 

That and/or Scotch-Brite or a wire wheel. But the machining on the Mevotech might be different and designed to fit Mevotech ball joint.

 

I would never modify suspension components like that. Get another part (combination) that fits and return what doesn't fit.

Also, you are posting in the wrong forum, this is for my1998-2005. If you post in the correct forum there might be people with experience with this issue.

 

Thanks. Just reposted to the correct generation. Interestingly, Mevotech does not sell a front shock absorber bracket lower (which contains the referenced spindle). Looking on RockAuto, Moog also does not sell the combo, only LCA's so I presume the expectation is that you use the original or get a non-aftermarket replacement.