Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Front Suspension

The content of this article reflects the changes identified in TSB- 05-03-08-020 Dated: December 12, 2005

The content of this article reflects the changes identified in TSB- 06-03-08-007 dated May 18, 2006.


Lower Ball Joint to Knuckle Nut Torque Specifications





Lower Control Arm Replacement

^ Tools Required
- J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller
- J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.





3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link lower retaining nut.
4. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.





5. Remove the shock assembly lower retaining bolts (1).





6. Remove the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle retaining nut.





7. Using J24319-B disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.





8. Remove the upper control arm to the steering knuckle pinch bolt.
9. Separate the upper control arm from the steering knuckle.





10. Remove the lower ball joint retaining nut and discard.





11. Using J 43631 separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.
12. Support the steering knuckle away from the lower control arm with mechanics wire.





13. Remove the ABS wire harness from the lower control arm.





14. Remove the lower control arm mounting nuts.
15. Remove the lower control arm mounting bolts.
16. Remove the lower control arm from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the lower control arm to the vehicle.
2. Install the lower control arm mounting bolts.
3. Adjust the lower control arm to Z height.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

4. Install the lower control arm mounting nuts.
^ Tighten the nuts to 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).





5. Install the ABS wire harness to the lower control arm.





6. Connect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle.
7. Install a new lower ball joint retaining nut.
8. Tighten the lower ball joint retaining nut in the following order:
8.1. Tighten the nut to 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.).
8.2. Tighten the nut to an additional 120 degree turn.





9. Install the upper control arm to the steering knuckle.
10. Install the upper control arm pinch bolt and nut.
^ Tighten the bolt to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.).





11. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.
12. Install the outer tie rod retaining nut.
^ Tighten the nut to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).





13. Install the shock module lower retaining bolts (1).
^ Tighten the bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).

Important: Apply threadlocker 242 or equivalent to the threads of the stabilizer shaft link.





14. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm.
15. Install the stabilizer shaft link retaining nut.
^ Tighten the nut to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).
16. Install the tire and wheel.
17. Lower the vehicle.
18. Align the front end.