Upper Control Arm Replacement
REMOVAL PROCEDURE^ Tools Required:
- J 23742 Ball Joint Separator
CAUTION: Floor jack must remain under the control arm spring seat during removal and installation to retain the spring and control arm in position. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.
Important: Note the location of the alignment shims. Replace the shims in the same location from which these were removed.
1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with safety stands.
^ Position the safety stands between the lower control arm spring seat and the lower ball joint.
^ Place a floor jack under the lower control arm spring seat.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to WHEEL REMOVAL in TIRES AND WHEELS.
3. Remove the cotter pin and the nut.
4. Disconnect the steering knuckle from the upper ball joint. Use the J 23742 in order to break the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
^ Lift the upper control arm in order to free the control arm from the steering knuckle.
^ Support the steering knuckle/hub assembly in order to prevent the knuckle weight from damaging the brake hose.
5. Remove the nuts and the shims.
6. Remove the bolts. Lift the upper control arm in order to gain access to the bolts.
7. Remove the upper control arm.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the upper control arm to the frame. Line up the holes in the shaft with the holes in the frame.
NOTICE: Always use the correct fastener in the proper location. When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part number for that application. The manufacturer will call out those fasteners that require a replacement after removal. The manufacturer will also call out the fasteners that require thread lockers or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do not use supplemental coatings (paints, greases, or other corrosion inhibitors) on threaded fasteners or fastener joint interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect the fastener torque and joint clamping force, and may damage the fastener. When you install fasteners, use the correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following these instructions can help you avoid damage to parts and systems.
Important: Mount the shims exactly as they were when removed.
2. Install the shims, the bolts, and the nuts. Lift the upper control in order to gain access.
Tighten
2.1. Tighten the nut on the thinner shim pack first.
2.2. Tighten the nuts to 110 Nm (81 ft. lbs.).
3. Connect the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle. Make sure the ball joint is fully seated into the steering knuckle.
4. Install the nut.
Tighten
Tighten the nut to 85 Nm (65 ft. lbs.).
5. Install a new cotter pin. Tighten the nut up to an additional 4/6 amount in order to insert the cotter pin through the upper ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin ends flat against the nut.
6. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to WHEEL INSTALLATION in TIRES AND WHEELS.
7. Remove the floor jack from under the lower control arm.
8. Remove the safety stands.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.