Front Suspension

Lower Control Arm Replacement (RWD)

Special Tools

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. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
3. Remove the air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement (Service and Repair).
4. Remove the shock module yoke bolt (2) from the lower control arm.




5. Remove the stabilizer shaft link lower nut (1).
6. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.
7. Remove the ABS wire harness from the lower control arm.





Caution: The ball stud must not rotate during disassembly or reassembly. Hand tools must be used to keep the ball stud from rotating. If air tools are used and the stud is allowed to rotate, damage to the ball stud and/or stud mounting hole may occur.

8. Remove the lower control arm ball joint nut (1).
9. Use the J 42188 to separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.





Note: Raise the power steering gear to provide clearance when removing the rear lower control arm to frame retaining bolt.

10. Loosen the power steering gear retaining bolts and raise the power steering gear.




11. Remove the lower control arm to cradle nuts (1).
12. Remove the lower control arm to cradle bolts (2).
13. Remove the lower control arm (3) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure




1. Position the lower control arm (3) to the vehicle.
2. Install the lower control arm to cradle bolts (2).

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

Note: Tighten the lower control arm bolts and nuts with the lower control arm at normal vehicle ride height.

3. Install the lower control arm to cradle nuts (1) and tighten to 135 Nm (96 lb ft).




4. Tighten the power steering gear retaining bolts to 180 Nm (133 lb ft).





Caution: The ball stud must not rotate during disassembly or reassembly. Hand tools must be used to keep the ball stud from rotating. If air tools are used and the stud is allowed to rotate, damage to the ball stud and/or stud mounting hole may occur.

5. Install the lower control arm ball joint nut (1).

1. Tighten the nut to 40 Nm (30 lb ft).
2. Tighten the nut an additional 120 degrees.




6. Install the ABS wire harness to the lower control arm.
7. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm.
8. Install the stabilizer shaft link lower retaining nut (1) and tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb ft).
9. Install the shock module yoke to the lower control arm bolt (2) and tighten to 250 Nm (184 lb ft).
10. Install the air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement (Service and Repair).
11. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Check the front end alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement (Wheel Alignment Measurement).