When it comes to keeping a high-mileage vehicle on the road, tackling suspension work is inevitable. We’re diving into the complete front-end suspension overhaul of a 2007-2008 Honda Fit (also known as the Honda Jazz outside North America). This process includes replacing the lower control arms, tie rod end links, CV axles, sway bar end links, and shocks—swapping those out for a set of aftermarket coilovers.
Getting Started: Lower Control Arms
One of the biggest issues with the stock suspension was the condition of the lower control arm bushings. The existing bushings were worn out—cracked, torn, and well past their prime. Rather than wrestling with bushing replacement, opting for fully pre-assembled lower control arms with new bushings and ball joints was the way to go.
After removing the old control arm, it’s crucial to remember that while all the rear bolts are 19mm, they are different—mixing them up could cause headaches during reassembly. Once the new control arm was in place, a touch of anti-seize on the bolts ensured easier removal in the future, especially given Ohio’s notorious rust-inducing winters.
CV Axles: Out with the Old, In with the New
With the control arms handled, it was time to address another long-standing issue—the clicking axles. Using a pry bar, the old axles were coaxed out from the transmission, a process made easier by the tell-tale sign of looseness indicating they were ready to come out. The replacement axles slid in without issue, ensuring the retaining clips were securely seated before moving on.
While working in this area, it’s always a good idea to drain and replace the transmission fluid, which was done through the conveniently located fill and drain plugs on the driver’s side. Honda MTF was used to top it off once the new axles were installed.
Coilovers: A Custom Fit
Upgrading to aftermarket coilovers provided an opportunity to dial in the ride height and improve handling. Installing them required reusing some OEM suspension components, and as with many aftermarket parts, a little modification was needed to ensure a perfect fit.
The process started by threading the top of the coilover through the strut tower opening, securing it in place with the rubber bushing, washer, and nut—finger tight for now. With the new coilovers installed, the knuckle was reattached, using a healthy dose of anti-seize to make future maintenance easier.
The axle nut was torqued and staked to ensure it stays put, and the sway bar end link was positioned with the help of a jack to get the holes aligned.
Brakes and Finishing Touches
Since the brake system was still in decent condition, the old calipers were reinstalled, despite their appearance. “This is just how used calipers look in Ohio,” as the author puts it, noting that they still function perfectly fine. A thorough cleaning of the rotor surface helped maintain braking efficiency, and a little anti-seize on key bolts would make future removal a breeze.
One small but critical step was ensuring the castle nut for the lower ball joint lined up perfectly with the cotter pin hole—sometimes requiring a little finesse to get it just right.
Refilling the Transmission
After everything was buttoned up, it was time to refill the manual transmission with fresh Honda MTF. Using a long tube through the driver’s wheel well made it easier to pour in the fluid, with the overflow serving as an indicator that the correct level had been reached.
Wrapping Up
With the car back on the ground, the final step was tightening down the top of the coilover, ensuring the suspension was properly settled under load. The result? A refreshed front end with improved stability, responsiveness, and reliability—all achieved in a home garage setup.
If you’re tackling a similar project, take your time, follow the steps carefully, and don’t forget to use anti-seize liberally—it’ll save you a ton of frustration down the road.
For more detailed automotive DIYs, be sure to check out 6th Gear Garage on YouTube. Whether it’s paint and bodywork, engine swaps, or off-road adventures, you’ll find plenty of hands-on content straight from the garage. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates on their latest projects.
And if you’re on the hunt for used OEM Toyota parts, don’t forget to visit 6thgeargarage.com to keep your classic Toyota running strong.
About 6th Gear Garage
