Removal

REMOVAL - LOWER CONTROL ARM

NOTE: Before proceeding, refer to Service Precautions.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.






2. Remove the wheel mounting nuts (3), then the tire and wheel assembly (1).






3. On each side of the vehicle, remove both stabilizer bar link assemblies (3, 4, 6, 7). Remove each link by holding the upper retainer/nut (3) with a wrench and turning the link bolt (7).
4. Rotate the forward ends of the stabilizer bar (5) downward. It may be necessary to loosen the stabilizer bar cushion retainer bolts (8) a little to ease any turning resistance.






5. Remove the nut (2) and pinch bolt (4) clamping the ball joint stud (3) to the knuckle (1).

CAUTION: Upon removing the knuckle from the ball joint stud, do not pull outward on the knuckle. Pulling the knuckle outward at this point can separate the inner C/V joint on the halfshaft thus damaging it.

CAUTION: Use care when separating the ball joint stud (4) from the knuckle (1), so the ball joint seal does not get cut.






6. Using an appropriate prying tool (2), separate the ball joint stud (4) from the knuckle (1) by prying down on the lower control arm (3) and up against the ball joint boss on the knuckle.






7. If the right lower control arm is being serviced, remove the one fastener (2) securing the wheel house splash shield (1) to the drive belt splash shield.

NOTE: Depending on the application, it may be necessary to remove some fasteners securing the front fascia (1) to the body lower reinforcement in order to access drive belt splash shield forward fastener.







8. If the right lower control arm is being serviced:
a. Remove the fastener (5) securing the drive belt splash shield (3) to the front suspension crossmember (6).
b. Remove the fasteners (4) securing the splash shield (3) to the body (2).
c. Remove the drive belt splash shield (3).






9. If the right control arm is being serviced, remove the mounting nuts (1, 3), then the pencil strut (2) from the right front corner of the crossmember and body of the vehicle. Remove the washer (4) behind the strut from the torque strut (5) bolt.







10. If the lower control arm is being serviced:
a. Remove the bolt (4) mounting the engine torque strut (2) to the engine (3).
b. Remove the bolt (5) mounting the engine torque strut (2) to the crossmember (1).
c. Remove the engine torque strut (2).







11. Remove the front bolt (2) attaching the lower control arm (1) to the front suspension crossmember (3).
12. Remove the rear bolt (4) attaching the lower control arm (1) to the front suspension crossmember (3) and frame rail.
13. Remove the lower control arm from the crossmember.