Control Arm: Service and Repair

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

^ Tools Required:
- J 38892 Ball Joint Separator.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. If the suspension contact hoist is used:
^ Place the jacks stands under the suspension supports.
^ Lower the vehicle slightly so that weight of the vehicle rests on the suspension supports and not on the control arms.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to WHEEL REMOVAL.

NOTICE: Care must be exercised to prevent the drive axle joints from being over-extended. When either end of the shaft is disconnected, over-extension of the joint could result in separation of the internal components and possible joint failure. Drive axle joint protectors should be used any time service is performed on or near drive axles. Failure to observe this can result in interior joint or boot damage, and possible joint failure.

4. Remove the nut attaching the stabilizer link to the stabilizer shaft.

NOTICE: Care must be exercised to prevent the drive axle joints from being over-extended. When either end of the shaft is disconnected over-extension of the joint could result in separation of the internal components and possible joint failure. Drive axle joint protectors should be used any time service is performed on or near drive axles. Failure to observe this can result in interior joint or boot damage, and possible joint failure.

5. Remove the ball joint cotter pin and nut from the knuckle using the J 38892.
6. Remove the bolts attaching the control arm to the suspension support.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the control arm into position and loosely install the bolts attaching the control arm to the suspension support.

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.

2. Install the nut attaching the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Tighten to specifications and install the cotter pin.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 55-65 Nm (41-48 ft. lbs.).

3. Install the nut attaching the stabilizer link to the stabilizer shaft.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.).

4. If a suspension contact hoist is used:
^ Raise the vehicle slightly.
^ Remove the jack stands from under the suspension supports.
5. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to WHEEL INSTALLATION.
6. With the vehicle at curb height, tighten the following suspension support bolts in the sequence as follows:

Tighten
^ Tighten the center bolts first to 120 Nm (89 ft. lbs.).
^ Tighten the front bolts second to 120 Nm (89 ft. lbs.).
^ Tighten the rear bolts third to 120 Nm (89 ft. lbs.).

7. With the vehicle at curb height, tighten the control arm attaching bolts.

Tighten
^ Tighten the control arm to suspension support bolts (front bushing) to 120 Nm (89 ft. lbs.).
^ Tighten the control arm to suspension support bolts (rear vertical bushing) to 170 Nm (125 ft. lbs.).

8. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to FRONT CAMBER ADJUSTMENT.