Lower control arm DIY
#2
It will make it easier to reinstall the arm if you move the wheel spindle assembly out of the way. You will need to disconnect the tie rod end, CV shaft, brake caliper and sway bar link and possibly unhook the ABS sensor wire supports so you do not put excessive strain on the wire.
After the control arm is installed you will need to pull down on it to provide clearance to swing the wheel spindle back in place. You can do this if you put a 6X8 block of wood under the engine and run a “come along” between the two control arms and under the 6X8. Jack the control arm downwards to make clearance for the wheel spindle.
Replace the ball joint while you have it apart. Much easier to do with the control arm out of your way. Hammer a chisel between the joint flange and wheel spindle to remove it from the spindle. Apply grease to the outside of the knurled surface before putting the new one in. You will need to tap the flange on the joint with a hammer while slowly tightening the screws to install it to the control arm.
I tried to replace the control arm without moving the wheel spindle out of the way and could not line up the bolts to install the control arm to frame bolts. You also risk damaging the CV joint if you bend it at to much of an angle.
If you do as suggested, should take no more than about 3 hours.
Good luck!
After the control arm is installed you will need to pull down on it to provide clearance to swing the wheel spindle back in place. You can do this if you put a 6X8 block of wood under the engine and run a “come along” between the two control arms and under the 6X8. Jack the control arm downwards to make clearance for the wheel spindle.
Replace the ball joint while you have it apart. Much easier to do with the control arm out of your way. Hammer a chisel between the joint flange and wheel spindle to remove it from the spindle. Apply grease to the outside of the knurled surface before putting the new one in. You will need to tap the flange on the joint with a hammer while slowly tightening the screws to install it to the control arm.
I tried to replace the control arm without moving the wheel spindle out of the way and could not line up the bolts to install the control arm to frame bolts. You also risk damaging the CV joint if you bend it at to much of an angle.
If you do as suggested, should take no more than about 3 hours.
Good luck!
#4
Only the stub shaft has to be removed from the wheel spindle. Remove the bolt which goes into the center of the shaft. When you remove the bolt, slowly push the shaft toward the engine. If needed, tap with a wooden dowel on the center of the shaft. It should move faily easy. Try to support the shaft and not put to sharp of a bend in the CV joint or you could damage it. You may have to pull outwards on the wheel spindle slighty (after you remove the ball joint, tie rod end, sway bar link and brake caliper) to have enough clearance to push the shaft clear of it.
You will have to insert the shaft before you bolt the ball joint back to the control arm.
You will have to insert the shaft before you bolt the ball joint back to the control arm.
Last edited by dcm0123; 06-26-2010 at 09:39 PM.
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