Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement

Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement


Tools Required
* J 33432-A Transverse Spring Compressor
* J 42188 Ball Joint Separator



Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service Intervals) .
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .




3. Disconnect the suspension position sensor link, if equipped from the control arm link stud.





Important: During this procedure, use care not to scratch the transverse spring.


4. Using J 33432-A , compress the transverse spring.




5. Disconnect the shock absorber from the lower control arm. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (Rear Suspension Shock Absorber) .





Important: Use an Allen wrench in the end of the ball stud to prevent the stud from rotating while removing the nut. Do Not use power tools.


6. Using HAND TOOLS ONLY loosen, but do not remove the lower ball joint stud nut.
7. Using J 42188 separate the lower ball joint stud from the suspension knuckle.
Support the suspension knuckle assembly.
8. Remove J 42188 and the lower ball joint stud nut from the suspension knuckle.




9. Using a back-up wrench to prevent the link stud from rotating, remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.




10. Support the lower control arm with a jackstand.
11. Mark the position of, and then remove the cam bolts, washers, and nuts retaining the control arm to the crossmember.
12. Remove the jack stand from under the lower control arm.
13. Remove the lower control arm from the vehicle.



Installation Procedure


Notice: Do not remove the transverse leaf spring compressor tool until after the shock absorber has been installed. The pad on the transverse leaf spring bolt could move out of position resulting in damage to the pad or a rattle in the suspension.





1. Install the lower control arm to the vehicle.
2. Support the lower control arm with a jack stand.
3. Install the cam bolts, washers, and nuts retaining the lower control arm to crossmember.

1. Place the cam bolts at the position marked during removal.
2. Due to a required wheel alignment, tighten the cam bolts but do not set them to the final torque specification at this time.






Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice) .


Important: Use an Allen wrench in the end of the ball stud to prevent the stud from rotating while removing the nut. Do Not use power tools.


4. Install the lower control arm ball joint stud into the suspension knuckle.

Tighten the lower control arm ball joint stud nut to 30 N.m (22 lb ft) plus 180 degrees.





5. Using a back-up wrench to prevent the link stud from rotating, install the stabilizer shaft link to the control arm.

Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut to 72 N.m (53 lb ft).





6. Install the shock absorber to the lower control arm. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (Rear Suspension Shock Absorber) .
7. Remove the jackstand.
8. Release and remove J 33432-A from the transverse spring.




9. Connect the suspension position sensor link, if equipped to the control arm link stud.
10. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .
11. Perform a rear wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement (Service and Repair) .

* Tighten the lower control arm front cam bolt to 145 N.m (107 lb ft).
* Tighten the lower control arm rear cam bolt to 95 N.m (70 lb ft).