Installation

INSTALLATION - LOWER CONTROL ARM





1. Position tension strut in lower control arm as shown. Make sure the word FRONT, which is stamped in tension strut, is positioned away from control arm.
2. Install the washer and a NEW retaining nut on the end of the tension strut at the control arm. Place an open end wrench on flat of tension strut to keep it from turning tension while tightening retaining nut. Tighten retaining nut to a torque of 130 Nm (95 ft. lbs.).





3. Install the lower control arm and tension strut assembly on the engine/suspension cradle in the following manner. Install tension strut and isolator bushing end into cradle first, then install lower control arm pivot bushing end into bracket on cradle.





4. Install the lower control arm to cradle bracket attaching pivot bolt and nut. Do not tighten the lower control arm to cradle bracket attaching bolt at this time.





5. Install washer on end of tension strut. Install a NEW tension strut to cradle bracket nut, on tension strut. Tighten the tension strut to cradle bracket retaining nut to a torque of 130 Nm (95 ft. lbs.). When torquing tension strut nut, keep tension strut from turning by holding tension strut at flat using an open end wrench.

CAUTION:
- Pulling steering knuckle out from vehicle after releasing from ball joint can separate inner C/V joint. See Driveshafts.
- When ball joint stud is installed into steering knuckle, do not let ball joint seal hit up against steering knuckle. If ball joint seal hits steering knuckle, seal damage may occur. If ball joint seal becomes torn, replace seal before assembling lower control arm to knuckle.





6. Install lower ball joint stud into steering knuckle. Install steering knuckle to lower ball joint stud, clamp bolt and nut into steering knuckle. Tighten the clamping bolt to a torque of 55 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).
7. Install the wheel and tire assembly.
8. Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full specified torque of 129 Nm (95 ft. lbs.).





9. Lower vehicle so the suspension is supporting vehicles weight (control arm at design height). Tighten the lower control arm pivot bushing to cradle bracket attaching bolt to a torque of 142 Nm (105 ft. lbs.).