Control Arm: Service and Repair

REMOVAL
1. Remove the front wheel.
2. Remove the drive shaft split pin, nut and washer.
3. Loosen the lower arm ball joint nut, but do not remove it.
4. Remove the strut lower mounting bolts (2).
5. Push the axle hub toward the outside to disconnect the drive shaft from the axle hub.





6. Using the Special Tool, disconnect the lower arm ball joint from the lower arm.
7. Temporary install the strut lower mounting bolt.
8. Remove the stabilizer link nut.





9. Remove the lower arm front and rear bush mounting bolts(2).
10. Remove the lower arm assembly.

INSTALLATION





1. Secure the stabilizer link with a open-end wrench (14 mm or 9/16 inch) then install the self locking nut.

DISASSEMBLY
BALL JOINT AND DUST COVER REPLACEMENT





1. Using a screwdriver, remove the dust cover from the lower arm ball joint.
2. Remove the snap ring.





3. Using a plastic hammer, disconnect the ball joint from the lower arm.





4. Using Special Tool, press fit the ball joint into the lower arm assembly.
5. Install the snap ring.





6. Using Special Tool, install the dust cover.

LOWER ARM BUSHING (A) REPLACEMENT





1. Install the Special Tool on the lower arm.
2. Remove the bushing.





3. Apply soap solution to the following parts.
- Outer surface of the new bushing.
- Inner surface of the lower arm bushing mount.





4. Install the new bushing onto the lower arm by using special tool.





5. Center the bushing by using by the following procedure, if necessary.
- Reset the Special Tool and lower arm.
- Center the bushing.

NOTE: After centering the bushing, wipe off the soap solution.

LOWER ARM BUSHING (G) REPLACEMENT
1. Install the Special Tool on the lower arm.





2. Press out the bushing.
3. Apply soap solution to the following parts.
- Outer surface of the bushing
- Inner surface of the lower arm bushing mount.





4. Install the new bushing onto the lower arm by using Special Tool.

INSPECTION
1. Check the bushing for wear and deterioration.
2. Check the lower arm for bending or breakage.
3. Check the ball joint dust cover for cracks.





5. Check the lower arm ball joint for rotating torque.
- If a crack is noted in the dust cover, replace the ball joint assembly.
- Shake the ball joint stud several times.
- Measure the ball joint rotating torque.
Standard value: 3.5 - 10 Nm (35 - 100 kg.cm, 2.6 - 7.4 inch lbs.)
- If the rotating torque exceeds the upper limit of the standard value, replace the ball joint assembly.
- Even if the rotating torque is below the lower limit of standard value, the ball joint may be reused, unless it has drag and excessive play.