Control Arm: Service and Repair

Fig. 1 Upper Control Arm Replacement:

2WD MODELS
1. Note location of shims for assembly reference. Remove retaining nuts and shims, Fig. 1.
2. Raise vehicle and support lower control arm with suitable jackstands. Jack must be positioned between coil spring seat and ball joint of lower control arm to obtain maximum leverage against coil spring pressure.
3. Remove front wheel, then loosen upper ball joint from steering knuckle as described under UPPER BALL JOINT.
4. Support hub assembly to prevent damage to brake line when removing control arm.
5. Remove control arm attaching bolts and the control arm, Fig. 1.
6. Reverse procedure to install. Tighten control arm retaining nuts to specifications.

AWD MODELS
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel.
3. Remove caliper and position aside.
4. Remove cotter pin and ball joint nut.
5. Remove upper control arm from knuckle.
6. Remove control arm retaining nuts and bolts, then upper control arm and bushings.
7. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Install new control arm nuts and tighten to specifications, nuts must be tightened with control arm in "Z" height as described under ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES/VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT.
b. Install new cotter pin.