Lower Arm

Lower Arm

Removal

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect the performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

NOTE: New cam bolts and lock nuts must be installed whenever the lower control arm is removed.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.





2. Remove the shield. Remove the shield bolts and a pushpin.

3. NOTE: The hex-holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while removing the nut.

Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link lower nut. While prying down on the stabilizer bar, disconnect the stabilizer bar link.
4. Remove and discard the shock absorber lower nut and bolt. Disconnect the shock absorber and spring assembly from the lower arm.

5. NOTE: The hex-holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while removing the nut.

NOTE: The tapered washer is reused with the new ball joint nut.

Remove and discard the lower ball joint nut. Separate the front lower arm from the wheel knuckle.
6. Remove and discard the lower arm forward nut and bolt.





7. Remove the power steering gear nuts and bolts. Discard the nuts.
^ Position the power steering gear to access the lower control arm rearward bolt.





8. Remove and discard the lower control arm rearward nut and bolt. Remove the lower arm.

Installation
1. Position the lower arm.





2. Install a new caster adjustment cam bolt and a new nut.
^ The bolt must be installed from the rear, as shown.
^ Install the bolt with the cam lobe down.
^ The cam must be seated between the cam guides on the No. 1 crossmember.
^ The nut should only be hand-tightened at this time to allow for wheel alignment adjustment.
^ Final tighten the nut to 175 Nm (129 ft. lbs.).





3. Install a new camber adjustment cam bolt and a new nut.
^ The bolt must be installed from the rear as shown.
^ Install the bolt with the cam lobe down.
^ The cam must be seated in the groove in the No. 2 crossmember.
^ The nut should only be hand-tightened at this time to allow for wheel alignment adjustment.
^ Final tighten the nut to 175 Nm (129 ft. lbs.).

4. NOTE: Make sure the tapered washer is installed on the ball joint before connecting the lower control arm to the knuckle.

NOTE: The hex-holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while tightening the nut.

Connect the lower control arm to the knuckle. Install a new lower ball joint nut.
^ Tighten to 200 Nm (148 ft. lbs.).

5. NOTE: Make sure the shock absorber lower bushing end caps are in place before installing the bolt and nut.

Connect the shock absorber and spring assembly to the lower control arm. Install a new shock absorber lower bolt and nut. Tighten to 175 Nm (129 ft. lbs.).
6. While prying down on the stabilizer bar, connect the stabilizer bar link to the stabilizer bar. Install a new stabilizer bar link lower nut.
^ Install the nut until snug using the hex-holding feature, then tighten the nut using a socket and a torque wrench.
^ Tighten to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.).





7. Install the shield. Install the shield bolts and a pushpin.





8. Position the power steering gear in place.
^ Install the power steering gear bolts and new nuts.
^ Tighten to 103 Nm (76 ft. lbs.).

9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Check and, if necessary, align the front end.