Control Arm: Service and Repair
REMOVAL1. Raise the vehicle.
Control Arm-To-steering Knuckle Attachment:
2. Remove the steering knuckle-to-ball joint ball stud clamping nut and bolt.
Stabilizer Bar Link To Lower Control Arm Attachment:
3. Remove the 2 attaching links connecting the stabilizer bar to the lower control arms.
4. Loosen, but do not remove the bolts attaching the stabilizer bar retainers to front suspension crossmember. Then rotate stabilizer bar and attaching links away from lower control arms
CAUTION: Pulling the steering knuckle outward, away from the vehicle after releasing the ball joint stud can separate the inner C/V joint. Refer to Transmission and Drivetrain.
Ball Joint Separation From Steering Knuckle:
5. Using a pry bar, separate the steering knuckle from the ball joint stud. Use caution when separating ball joint stud from steering knuckle to avoid cutting the ball joint seal.
Lower Control Arm Attaching Bolts:
6. Remove front lower control arm bushing to crossmember attaching nut and bolt. Remove rear lower control arm to crossmember and frame rail attaching bolt. Remove the lower control arm from the crossmember.
INSTALLATION
1. Position the lower control arm into the crossmember. Install the rear lower control arm-to-crossmember and frame rail attaching bolt. Do not tighten rear attaching bolt at this time. Then install the front lower control arm-to-crossmember nut and bolt.
2. First, tighten the front lower control arm nut and bolt to a torque of 163 Nm (120 ft. lbs.). Tighten the rear lower control arm attaching bolt to the same torque specification.
3. Install the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. Install the steering knuckle-to-ball joint stud clamping bolt and nut. Tighten the clamping bolt to a torque of 95 Nm (70 ft. lbs.).
4. Assemble the stabilizer bar attaching link assemblies and bushings as shown.
5. Rotate the stabilizer bar into position, installing the stabilizer bar link assemblies into the lower control arms. Install the top stabilizer bar link bushings and nuts. Do not tighten the link assemblies at this time.
6. Lower the vehicle all the way, so the suspension is at curb height.
NOTE: It may be necessary to put the vehicle on a platform hoist or alignment rack to gain access to the stabilizer mounting bolts with the vehicle at curb height.
7. Tighten the stabilizer bar link assemblies to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).
8. Tighten the two stabilizer bar bushing retainer attaching bolts to 28 Nm (21 ft. lbs.).