Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Upper Control Arm Replacement



Upper Control Arm Replacement

Tools Required

J 42188 Ball Joint Separator


Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair) .
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .
3. Disconnect the electronic suspension control (ESC) sensor links. Refer to Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Replacement (Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Replacement) .
4. Support the lower control arm with a jackstand.
5. Loosen the ball joint stud nut but do not remove the nut.
6. Using J 42188 separate the upper ball joint stud from the upper control arm.
7. Remove J 42188 from the ball joint stud.
8. Remove the ball joint stud nut from the ball joint stud.





Important: The upper control arm shims will have an effect on the camber and the caster. Make sure to use an equal thickness of shims on both sides of each individual upper control arm bushing.


9. Remove the upper control arm bolts and shims. Note the number and position of the shims for installation purposes.
10. Remove the upper control arm from the vehicle.



Installation Procedure





1. Install the upper control arm to the vehicle.

Important: The upper control arm shims will have an effect on the camber and the caster. Make sure to use an equal thickness of shims on both sides of each individual upper control arm bushing.


2. Install the upper control arm shims.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice) .

3. Install the upper control arm mounting bolts to the upper control arm and frame rail.

Tighten the upper control arm mounting bolts to 65 N.m (48 lb ft).

4. Install the upper ball joint stud into the upper control arm. It will be necessary to use an Allen wrench to keep the ball joint stud from spinning while tightening the ball joint stud nut.

Tighten the upper control arm ball joint stud nut to 20 N.m (15 lb ft) plus 225 degrees.

5. Connect the ESC sensor links. Refer to Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Replacement (Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Replacement) .
6. Remove the jackstand.
7. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .
8. Lower the vehicle.