Control Arm: Service and Repair
REMOVAL1. Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
2. Remove wheel stop, then the nut and bolt clamping knuckle to ball joint stud.
Fig. 13 Front Suspension Cradle Plate Mounting Bolts.:
3. Remove 10 cradle plate mounting bolts, then the cradle plate from front suspension cradle.
4. With a suitable pry bar separate knuckle from ball joint.
CAUTION:
Do not damage ball joint seal.
Fig. 14 Front Lower Control Arm Pivot Bolt:
Fig. 15 Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing Retainer Removal:
5. Loosen lower control arm front bushing pivot bolt from front suspension cradle, then remove lower control arm rear bushing retainer from front suspension cradle.
Fig. 16 Front Suspension Cradle Mounting Bolts Removal:
6. Lower front suspension cradle by removing two suspension cradle to body mounting bolts.
7. Lower front corner of suspension cradle until pivot bolt will clear transaxle, then remove pivot bolt and lower control arm from front suspension cradle.
INSTALLATION
1. Lower front corner of suspension cradle until pivot bolt will clear transaxle, then install pivot bolt in front suspension cradle and lower control arm.
2. Install two suspension cradle to body mounting bolts.
Fig. 17 Rear Bushing Retainer Installation:
3. Install rear bushing retainer of lower control arm to front suspension cradle.
Raised rib on bushing must be positioned into groove on retainer.
4. Install lower control arm ball joint stud to knuckle and tighten to specification.
5. Install cradle plate on front suspension cradle and tighten mounting bolt to specification.
6. Place a suitable jack under control arms as close to ball joint as possible, then lower vehicle until full weight is supported by jacks.
7. Tighten front lower control arm pivot bolt, then the rear lower control arm bushing retainer to specifications.
8. Install wheel and tire assembly.