Control Arm: Service and Repair

REMOVAL
1. Lift the front of the vehicle and support it with safety stands.
2. Remove the wheels.
3. Remove in the order shown in the figure, refer to REMOVAL NOTE.

REMOVAL NOTE:





Ball Joint Dust Boot
1. Secure the ball joint in a vise.
2. Carefully use a chisel to remove the dust boot from the ball joint.

NOTICE: Do not damage the ball joint.

INSPECTION
Visually inspect each part and replace as necessary.





Ball Joint Rotation Torque
Check the following and replace the ball joint if necessary. Attach the SST (or equivalent of identical length) to the ball joint stud and measure the force required to cause continuous rotation using a pull scale.
Specified rotating torque: 17-30 inch lbs. (2.0-3.4 Nm)
Equivalent pull scale reading: 4.4-7.7 lb (20-34 N)

INSTALLATION
Install in the reverse order of removal, refer to INSTALLATION NOTE.

INSTALLATION NOTE:





Ball Joint Dust Boot
1. Apply general-purpose grease to the new dust boot.
2. Press the dust boot onto the ball joint with the SST (or equivalent).





Stabilizer Retaining Nut
1. Tighten the retaining nut until the specified length of thread is exposed.
Length: 0.28-0.44 inch (7-11 mm)
2. After installation, check the front wheel alignment, and adjust it, if necessary.

NOTICE: Tighten the control arm bolts and nuts to the specified torque before lowering the vehicle (Unloaded condition).