Lower Arm
Lower Arm Removal/InstallationSpecial Tools Required
- Ball joint thread protector 07AAF-SEPA200
- Ball joint remover 07AAF-SEPA100
1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.
2. Remove the front wheels, taking care not to scratch the calipers on M/T model.
3. Remove the damper fork (A) from the damper (B) and lower arm (C).
NOTE: During installation, insert the damper fork into the damper lower end so the aligning tab (D) is aligned with the slot (E) in the damper fork. Replace the damper fork mounting nut (F) with a new one.
4. Remove the flange nut (A) while holding the joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C), then disconnect the stabilizer link (D) from the lower arm (E).
5. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the lower ball joint castle nut (B), then remove the nut.
NOTE:
^ To avoid damaging the ball joint, install a hex nut on the threads of the ball joint.
^ Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the remover.
^ Do not force or hammer on the lower arm, or pry between the lower arm and knuckle. You could damage the ball joint.
^ Insert the new cotter pin into the ball joint pin hole from the front to the rear of vehicle, and bend its end as shown.
6. Disconnect the lower arm ball joint from the knuckle using the special tools.
7. Remove the flange bolts, nuts and washers, then remove the lower arm (A).
8. Check the collar (A) on the lower arm (B). Replace the lower arm if the collar is loose or damaged.
9. Install the lower arm in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
^ Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the knuckle.
^ Tighten all mounting hardware to the specified torque values.
^ Before connecting the lower ball joint to the lower arm, degrease the threaded section and tapered portion of the ball joint pin, the lower arm connecting hole, the threaded section and mating surface of the castle nut.
^ First install all the components and lightly tighten the bolts and nuts, then raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight before fully tightening to the specified torque values. Do not place the jack against the ball joint pin of the knuckle.
^ Torque the castle nut to the lower torque specification, then tighten it only far enough to align the slot with the ball joint pin hole. Do not align the castle nut by loosening it.
^ Install a new cotter pin on the castle nut after torquing.
^ Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surface of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel.
^ Check the wheel alignment, and adjust if necessary.