Front Lower Arm Removal/Installation
Front Lower Arm Removal/Installation
Special Tools Required
- Ball Joint Thread Protector, 14 mm 07AAE-SJAA100
- Ball Joint Remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202
Removal/Installation
1. Raise and support the vehicle Service and Repair.
2. Remove the front wheel.
3. Remove the spindle nut.
4. Remove the front splash shield Front Splash Shield Replacement.
5. Remove the damper fork mounting nut (A) while holding the mounting bolt (B), then remove the mounting bolt.
NOTE: Use the new damper fork mounting bolt and the new mounting nut, and torque the nut while holding the bolt during reassembly.
6. Disconnect the stabilizer link from the lower arm Front Stabilizer Link Removal/Installation.
7. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the knuckle ball joint, then remove the castle nut (B).
NOTE:
- Use the new castle nut during reassembly.
- During installation, insert the new cotter pin into the ball joint pin hole from the front to the rear of the vehicle, and bend its end as shown. Check the ball joint pin hole direction before connecting the ball joint.
8. Disconnect the knuckle ball joint from the lower arm using the ball joint thread protector and the ball joint remover Ball Joint Removal.
NOTE:
- 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 the knuckle. You could damage the ball joint.
9. Pull the knuckle (A) outward, and separate the outboard joint (B) from the front hub using a soft face hammer.
NOTE: Do not pull the driveshaft end outward. The driveshaft inboard joint may come apart.
10. Remove the lower arm mounting bolts, mounting nuts, and the washers, then remove the lower arm (A).
NOTE: Use new lower arm mounting bolts, new mounting nuts, and new washers during reassembly.
11. 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 the nuts, then raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight before fully tightening it to the specified torque. 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 ball joint, degrease the threaded section and the tapered portion of the ball joint pin, the ball joint connecting hole, the threaded section, and the 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.
- Refer to stabilizer link removal/installation to connect the stabilizer bar to the lower arm Front Stabilizer Link Removal/Installation.
- Use a new spindle nut on reassembly.
- Before installing the spindle nut, apply a small amount of engine oil to the seating surface of the nut. After tightening, use a drift to stake the spindle nut shoulder against the driveshaft.
- Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surfaces between the brake disc and the inside of the wheel.
12. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary Service and Repair.
Compliance Bushing Bracket Replacement
1. Remove the self-locking nut (A), then remove the lower arm stopper (B) and the compliance bushing bracket (C).
NOTE: Do not remove the compliance bushing from the bracket.
2. Position the lower arm center line (A) with the end (B) of the compliance bushing bracket to the angle as shown.
3. Install a new self-locking nut (C), then tighten the nut to the specified torque.