Lower Control Arm Tension Strut Bushing
OVERVIEWTo replace the lower control arm tension strut bushing, the control arm and tension strut assembly must be removed from the vehicle. The removal and replacement of the lower control arm tension strut bushing must be performed using an arbor press.
DISASSEMBLY
1. Raise the vehicle using a frame contact type hoist or supported as required using jackstands.
2. Remove tire and wheel from vehicle.
3. Remove lower control arm and tension strut as an assembly from the vehicle. See Lower Control Arm Removal for the required removal procedure.
4. Separate the tension strut from the lower control arm assembly.
5. Position lower control arm in arbor press with tension strut bushing inside Receiver, Special Tool MB-990799 and special tool supporting lower control arm. Position Remover, Special Tool, 6644-4 on top of tension strut bushing. Press Remover, Special Tool, 6644-4 down through the tension strut bushing until the arbor press can push it no farther. As Remover, Special Tool, 6644-4 is pressed down through tension strut bushing it will cut the bushing into two pieces.
6. Remove lower control arm assembly from arbor press. Remove pieces of tension strut and Remover, Special Tool 6644-4, from lower control arm.
ASSEMBLY
1. Thoroughly lubricate the replacement tension strut bushing, lower control arm and Installer, Special Tool 6644-3 using Mopar Rubber Bushing Installation Lube, or an equivalent.
2. By hand, install tension strut bushing into large end of Installer, Special Tool 6644-3. Press bushing into installer as far as it will go by hand.
3. Position lower control arm in arbor press, so tension strut hole in lower control arm is centered on Receiver, Special Tool MB-990799. Position Installer, Special Tool 6644-3 with previously installed bushing, inside of tension strut bushing hole in lower control arm. Position Installer, Special Tool 6644-2 on top of tension strut bushing. Using the arbor press, press the tension strut bushing into the lower control arm. As the bushing is being pressed into the control arm a pop will be heard. When the pop is heard Installer, Special Tool 6644-3 will slightly move up off the control arm. At this time remove the control arm assembly from the arbor press and pull Special Tool 6644-3 off the tension strut bushing in the control arm. Tension strut bushing is now installed.
4. Install tension strut into the tension strut bushing in lower control arm. Position tension strut in lower control as shown with word FRONT stamped in tension strut positioned away from control arm. With an open end wrench on flat of tension strut to stop tension strut from turning. Tighten the NEW tension strut to lower control retaining nut to a torque of 130 Nm (95 ft. lbs.).
5. Install lower control arm and tension strut as an assembly back on the vehicle. See Lower Control Arm Installation for the required installation procedure.