Control Arm: Description and Operation

The lower control arm is an iron casting. The lower control arm is mounted to and isolated from the body of the vehicle using 2 types of rubber bushings. The front lower control arm bushing is the spool type and is pressed into the lower control arm, while the rear uses a bushing that is pushed over a stem on the lower control arm. The front and rear of the lower control arm is mounted to the cast crossmember using a pivot bolt through the center of the front pivot bushing, and a retainer which traps the rear bushing in the crossmember.

The ball joint is pressed into the control arm and has a non-tapered stud with a notch for clamp bolt clearance. The stud is clamped and locked into the steering knuckle leg with a clamp bolt.

The ball joint is lubricated for the life of the vehicle and does not require any periodic lubrication.