Front

Control Arm Front, Replacing

Special Tools: 998 5434 , 999 5461 , 998 5972 , 951 2050

NOTE: As the illustrations in this service information are used for different model years and/or models, some variation may occur. However, the essential information in the illustrations is always correct.

Preparations

Applies to cars of model years 97-98:







- Raise the car.
- Remove the wheel.
- Install counterhold 999 5461.
- Detach the drive shaft end at the hub. Tap in the shaft end approximately 10 - 15 mm. Use a plastic or copper mallet or use puller 998 5434 together with 999 5461.


Applies to cars of model years 99-00:







- Raise the car.
- Remove the wheel
- Remove the drive shaft screw.
- Use a screwdriver as a counterhold.
- Detach the drive shaft end at the hub. Tap in the shaft end approximately 10-15 mm. Use a rubber or copper mallet.

Cleaning around the ball joint







- Blow clean around the ball joint with compressed air.
- Generously spray the ball joint and the screw and nut retaining the ball joint using rust penetrator.

Removing the ball joint from the wheel spindle







NOTE: Do not insert a screwdriver or punch between the "ears" on the wheel spindle.

- If the screw has rusted solid, slacken off the nut a few turns. Knock the screw so that it loosens.
- Remove the screw and the nut.
- Spray the ball joint with rust penetrator again.







NOTE: The inner diameter of the socket must be larger than the outer diameter of the cover. This is to prevent damage to the cover.

- Tap the ball joint off the wheel spindle.
- Use a socket as a spacer.
- Spray the ball joint with rust penetrator again.







- Move the ball joint up and down by hand (or a jimmy bar can be used) until the ball joint detaches from the wheel spindle.
- Withdraw the drive shaft from the hub.
- Twist the spring strut to one side. Hang the drive shaft so that the control arm is not in contact with the drive shafts.

Removing the engine mountings


Remove:







- the two screws for the engine pad on the right side.







- the screw (1) for the rear engine pad
- the screw (3) for the front engine pad
- the screw and nut (2) for the torque rod.

Removing the control arm on the left-hand side
Position mobile jack 998 5972 on the torque rod mounting in the transmission.

NOTE: Use a wooden block as a shim.

Remove:







- the four screws for the control arm
- the control arm.


Installing the control arm on the left-hand side

NOTE: Ensure that there is no exhaust leakage.

- Install the control arm on the sub-frame. Use new screws. Tighten to 65 Nm. Angle-tighten 90 degrees. Use bevel protractor 951 2050.
- Lower and remove the mobile jack.

Installing the control arm on the right-hand side
- Install the control arm on the sub-frame. Use new screws. Tighten to 65 Nm. Angle-tighten 90 degrees. Use bevel protractor 951 2050.
- Lower and remove the mobile jack.

Installing the engine mountings







- Install the two screws (1) for the engine pad on the right side. Tighten to 35 Nm. Angle-tighten 90 degrees.
- Use bevel protractor 951 2050.

NOTE: Use new screws.







- Install the screws (1, 3). Tighten to 50 Nm.
- Install the screw and nut (2) for the torque rod.
- Tighten to 40 Nm. Angle-tighten 40 degrees.
- Use bevel protractor 951 2050.

NOTE: Use a new screw and nut.

Installing the ball joint on the wheel spindle

Applies to cars of model years 97-98:







- Clean the hub and the drive shaft splines.

NOTE: Apply metal adhesive 1161370-0 to the drive shaft splines.

- Fold out and twist the spring strut and locate the drive shaft in the hub. Use an adjustable wrench to hold the control arm down.
- Install a new drive shaft nut.
- Use counterhold 999 5461 and bevel protractor 951 2050. Tighten to 120 Nm. Angle-tighten 60 degrees.
- Remove the counterhold.

NOTE: Lubricate the threads and flange on the nut.

Applies to cars of model years 99-00:
- Clean the hub and the drive shaft splines. Fold out and twist the spring strut and locate the drive shaft in the hub. Use an adjustable wrench to hold the control arm down.
- Install a new drive shaft screw.
- Tighten to 35 Nm. Angle-tighten 90 degrees. Counterhold the brake disc with a screwdriver.

NOTE: Lubricate the threads and flange on the screw.







- Check that the groove on the ball joint spindle lines up with the screw hole in the wheel spindle.

NOTE: Press the ball joint upwards so that the conical top is visible above the screwed joint on the wheel spindle.

- Use a new locknut in the wheel spindle screw.
- Tighten to 50 Nm.

Finishing
Install the wheel.