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I had to replace somewhat new tires due to cupping wear on the rear. I have just replaced the upper control arms (see the DIY section for my step-by-step), but I'm wondering if I should replace what Honda calls the Rear Knuckle:
I thought it was a Honda-only part until I checked the "Steering" section (yes, I know) on Rock Auto, and found that Mevotech offers a knuckle:
There are no bushings available to press into the rear knuckle. Even if there were, having to press them out and back in is something I don't have the tools for or want to bother with--the extra cost of the knuckle is made up by time saved on the job.
I checked the control arm mounting bushing on the knuckle with a long screwdriver loading it and I found there was no slop or play in it. But under vehicle load, who knows? And I don't know how a new one feels either.
I installed the upper control arm to get some camber adjustability, as I may do a mild lift kit on this CR-V (maybe 1.5 inches), and figured it wouldn't hurt to get at least one bushing changed out in the rear at the same time.
I just wonder if it's worth replacing the knuckle--it's a major undertaking (which isn't a big deal), but I also don't want to go replacing something that might not cure the cupping. I had a new set of tires put on and had the 4-wheel alignment done at the same time. I may take it to another shop on the corner that offers free alignment checks just to double-check that it's OK. I noticed the new set is also getting slightly cupped, yet I rotated a lot sooner (at only 7,000 miles) this time. My old tires weren't cupped at all. Noisy, but not cupped. (Just a lousy tire.)
I thought it was a Honda-only part until I checked the "Steering" section (yes, I know) on Rock Auto, and found that Mevotech offers a knuckle:
There are no bushings available to press into the rear knuckle. Even if there were, having to press them out and back in is something I don't have the tools for or want to bother with--the extra cost of the knuckle is made up by time saved on the job.
I checked the control arm mounting bushing on the knuckle with a long screwdriver loading it and I found there was no slop or play in it. But under vehicle load, who knows? And I don't know how a new one feels either.
I installed the upper control arm to get some camber adjustability, as I may do a mild lift kit on this CR-V (maybe 1.5 inches), and figured it wouldn't hurt to get at least one bushing changed out in the rear at the same time.
I just wonder if it's worth replacing the knuckle--it's a major undertaking (which isn't a big deal), but I also don't want to go replacing something that might not cure the cupping. I had a new set of tires put on and had the 4-wheel alignment done at the same time. I may take it to another shop on the corner that offers free alignment checks just to double-check that it's OK. I noticed the new set is also getting slightly cupped, yet I rotated a lot sooner (at only 7,000 miles) this time. My old tires weren't cupped at all. Noisy, but not cupped. (Just a lousy tire.)