Lower Arm Removal/Installation
Lower Arm Removal/InstallationSpecial Tools Required
^ Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202
^ Ball joint thread protector, 12 mm 07AAF-SDAA100
1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.
2. Remove the front wheel.
3. Remove the flange bolt (A) and mounting bolt (B), then remove the damper fork (C) from the damper (D) and lower arm (E).
NOTE:
^ During installation, insert the damper fork into the damper lower end so the aligning tab (F) is aligned with the slot (G) in the damper fork.
^ Use a new mounting bolt and new mounting nut (H) on reassembly.
4. Remove the flange nut (A) while holding the joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C), and disconnect the stabilizer link (D) from the lower arm (E).
NOTE: Use a new flange nut on reassembly.
5. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the lower arm ball joint castle nut (B), and remove the nut.
NOTE:
^ To avoid damaging the ball joint, install the ball joint thread protector 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 from the knuckle using the ball joint remover.
7. Remove the mounting bolts, and remove the lower arm (A).
NOTE: Use new mounting bolts on reassembly.
8. Install the lower arm in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
^ Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when connecting the lower arm to the knuckle.
^ Before connecting the lower arm ball joint to the lower arm, degrease the threaded section and tapered portion of the ball joint pin, and the lower arm connecting hole, and the threaded section and mating surface of the castle nut.
^ Tighten all mounting hardware to the specified torque values.
^ 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 it 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 it if necessary.