Front Suspension

Lower Control Arm Replacement (RWD)

Special Tools

J 43631 - Ball Joint Remover

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (AWD) (Front Suspension)Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (RWD) (Front Suspension)

Note: Step 5 is for rear wheel drive (RWD) vehicles only.

4. Remove the shock assembly lower retaining bolts. Refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Replacement (Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Replacement).

Note: Step 6 is for all wheel drive (AWD) vehicles only.

5. Remove the shock absorber yoke from the lower control arm. Refer to Front Shock Absorber Yoke Replacement (Front Shock Absorber Yoke Replacement).
6. Remove the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle retaining nut. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement (All Wheel Drive) (Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement)Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement (Rear Wheel Drive) (Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement).




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




8. Remove the front and rear lower control arm mounting nuts.
9. Remove the front and rear lower control arm mounting bolts.
10. Lower and support the lower arm control to gain access to the lower ball joint.




11. Remove the front lower control arm front nut and discard.




12. Using the J 43631 - remover , separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.
13. Remove the lower control arm from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure




1. Position the lower control arm (3) to the vehicle.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

2. Install the front lower control arm mounting bolt (1) to tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb ft).
3. Install the rear lower control arm mounting bolt (2) to tighten to 320 Nm (236 lb ft).




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




5. Connect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle.
6. Install a NEW front lower control arm front nut.
7. Tighten the lower ball joint retaining nut in the following order:

1. Tighten the front lower control arm front nut to 40 Nm (30 lb ft).
2. Tighten the front lower control arm front nut to an additional 120 degree turn.




8. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.
9. Install the steering linkage outer tie rod nut. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement (All Wheel Drive) (Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement)Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement (Rear Wheel Drive) (Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement).

Note: Step 10 is for rear wheel drive (RWD) vehicles only.

10. Install the shock assembly lower retaining bolts. Refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Replacement (Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Replacement).

Note: Step 11 is for all wheel drive (AWD) vehicles only.

11. Install the shock absorber yoke from the lower control arm. Refer to Front Shock Absorber Yoke Replacement (Front Shock Absorber Yoke Replacement).
12. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (AWD) (Front Suspension)Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (RWD) (Front Suspension)
13. Adjust the lower control arm to Z height. Refer to Trim Height Specifications (Trim Height Specifications).
14. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Align the front end. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement (Service and Repair).