Control Arm: Service and Repair
REMOVAL PROCEDURE^ Tools Required
- J 38892 Ball Joint Separator
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. If a suspension contact hoist is used:
- Place jack stands under the crossmember.
- Lower the vehicle slightly so that the weight of the vehicle rests on the crossmember and not on the control arms.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal.
4. Remove the nut (2) attaching the stabilizer link to the stabilizer shaft (1).
5. Remove the ball joint cotter pin (7) and nut (6).
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 boot protectors should be used any time service is performed on or near the drive axles. Failure to observe this can result in interior joint or boot damage and possible joint failure.
6. Remove the ball joint from the knuckle using the J 38892 Ball Joint Separator.
7. Remove the bolts (2, 3) attaching the control arm (1) to the crossmember (4).
8. Remove the control arm (1).
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the control arm (1) into position and: loosely install the bolts (2, 3) attaching the control arm to the crossmember (4).
Important: Do not loosen the nut at any time during the installation.
2. Guide the ball joint into the steering knuckle, and loosely install the nut (2).
3. Install the nut (2) attaching the ball joint (3) to the steering knuckle.
Tighten
- Tighten the ball joint to steering knuckle nut to 55 N.m (41 lb ft) minimum, 65 N.m (50 lb ft) maximum.
4. Install the cotter pin (1).
5. Slightly raise the vehicle.
6. Remove the jack stands from under the crossmember.
7. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation.
8. With the vehicle at curb height, tighten the control arm attaching bolts.
Tighten
- Tighten the control arm to the crossmember bolts at the front bushing (3) to 120 N.m (89 lb ft), plus a 180 degree rotation.
- Tighten the control arm to the crossmember bolts at the rear vertical bushing (2) to 170 N.m (125 lb ft).
9. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications.