FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Control Arm: Testing and Inspection

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER CONTROL ARM
If damaged, the lower control arm casting is serviced only as a complete component. Inspect lower control arm for signs of damage from contact with the ground or road debris. If lower control arm shows any sign of damage, inspect lower control arm for distortion. Do not attempt to repair or straighten a broken or bent lower control arm.

The replaceable components of the lower control arm are: the ball joint grease seal and the control arm bushings. Inspect both control arm bushings for severe deterioration, and replace if required.

Inspect the lower ball joint for wear. Use the wear inspection procedure in the diagnosis and testing to determine if the wear is excessive and ball joint (lower control arm) replacement is required.

Service procedures to replace these components are detailed in the specific component removal and installation.