Front

Lower Arm

Special Tool(s)

Special Tool(s):

Removal

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure correct retention of these parts.

1. Remove the wheel and tire.

2. CAUTION: Do not use a prying device or separator fork between the ball joint and the wheel knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint boot can result. Only use the pry bar by inserting it into the lower control arm body opening.

CAUTION: Do not damage suspension components when using the pry bar to separate the lower arm from the wheel knuckle.

Remove and discard the ball joint nut and bolt, then insert a pry bar in the lower arm body opening and separate the lower arm from the wheel knuckle.





3. Remove the ball joint heat shield.





4. After separating the lower control arm from the wheel knuckle, immediately install the special tool over the ball stud before releasing the lower control arm and knuckle into rest positions.
^ Leave the special tool in place during service and only remove prior to installation.





5. Remove the lower arm bushing bracket nuts, bolts and the bracket.
^ Discard the nuts and bolts.
6. Remove and discard the lower arm forward nut and bolt and remove the lower arm.

Installation

1. CAUTION: To prevent incorrect clamp load or component damage, install the fasteners in their original orientation. Install the lower arm bushing clamp bolts with their heads facing down.

NOTE: Do not tighten the nuts and bolts at this time.

Position the lower arm and loosely install the forward nut and bolt and the 2 bracket nuts and bolts.
2. Remove the special tool and install the heat shield.





3. Insert the ball joint stud into the wheel knuckle and install the ball joint bolt and nut.
^ Tighten to 63 Nm (46 ft. lbs.).
4. Install the wheel and tire.
5. Lower the hoist so the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheels and tires.
6. Tighten the lower arm forward bolt to 215 Nm (159 ft. lbs.).
7. Tighten the lower arm inboard bracket nut to 160 Nm (118 ft. lbs.).
8. Tighten the lower arm outboard bracket nut to 103 Nm (76 ft. lbs.).
9. Check and, if necessary, align the front end.