Control Arm: Service and Repair
LOWER ARMLOWER ARM (Front):
REMOVAL
1. Remove the front wheel.
2. Remove the driveshaft 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 driveshaft from the axle hub.
6. Using the Special Tool (09568 - 34000), disconnect the lower arm ball joint from the lower arm.
7. Temporary install the strut lower mounting bolt.
8. Remove the lower arm bushing (A) and bushing (G) mounting bolts(2).
9. Remove the lower arm assembly.
INSTALLATION
Installation is the reverse of removal.
NOTE: Tighten the components to the specified torque.
REPLACEMENT
BALL JOINT AND DUST COVER
1. Using a flat-tipped screwdriver, remove the dust cover from the lower arm ball joint.
2. Remove the snap ring.
3. Using a plastic hammer, tap the ball joint out of the lower arm.
4. Using Special Tool (09545 - 11000), press-fit the ball joint into the lower arm assembly.
5. Install the snap ring.
6. Using the Special Tool (09545 - 21100), install the dust cover.
LOWER ARM BUSHING (G)
1. Install the Special Tools (09545-02000, 09216-21100 and 09216-21200) 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 mounting part.
4. Install the new bushing on the lower arm by using Special Tools (09216 - 21100, 09624 - 34000).
NOTE: Press-in the lower arm bushing (G) in the same direction as shown in illustration.
Pull out force for the bushing:..................................80 N (800 kg(f), 11.9 ft. lbs.) or more
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 and damage.
4. Check all bolts for damage and deformation.
5. Check the lower arm ball joint for rotating torque.
- If there is a crack 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 kgf-cm, 2.6 - 7.4 inch lbs.)
- If the rotating torque is above the upper limit of the standard value, replace the ball joint assembly.
- Even if the rotating torque is below the lower limit of the standard value, the ball joint may be reused unless it has drag and excessive play.