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 damper pinch bolt (A) and the damper fork 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 damper fork 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, then remove the castle nut (B).
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.
^ During installation, 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 lower arm using the ball joint thread protector, and 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:
^ First install all of 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.
^ Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when connecting 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 ball joint connecting hole, and the threaded section and mating surfaces of the castle nut.
^ 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.
^ Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel.
^ Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary.