Front

Lower Arm

Lower Arm:

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 number 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 of correct retention of these parts.

1. Remove the wheel and tire.

2. CAUTION: Note the orientation of the lower ball joint nut and bolt. They must be installed using the same orientation or damage to the steering gear bellows boot may occur.

Remove and discard the lower ball joint nut and bolt.
3. Separate the lower arm and the wheel spindle.
4. Remove the steering gear bolts. Position the steering gear to gain access to the lower control arm forward bolt.

5. CAUTION: Use care not to damage the steering gear bellows boot while removing the lower arm forward bolt.

Remove and discard the lower arm forward bolt.
6. Remove and discard the lower control arm rearward nuts and flag bolts.
7. Remove the lower control arm and bracket assembly.

Installation

1. NOTE: To ease installation, the position of the lower control arm nut and flag bolt may be reversed to allow installation of the nut from underneath the vehicle.

Install the lower arm and bracket assembly and the lower arm rearward nuts and flag bolts.
^ Tighten the new nuts to 185 Nm (136 lb-ft).

2. CAUTION: Use care not to damage the steering gear bellows boot while installing the lower arm forward bolt.

NOTE: Do not tighten the lower arm forward bolt at this time.

Loosely install the lower arm forward bolt.
3. Position the steering gear and install the steering gear bolts.
^ Tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

4. CAUTION: The lower ball joint seal must be fully seated against the wheel spindle or damage to the ball joint may occur.

Position the lower ball joint into the wheel spindle and install the lower ball joint nut and bolt.
^ Tighten the new nut to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
5. Install the wheel and tire.
6. Lower the vehicle so the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheel and tires.
7. Tighten the new lower arm forward bolt to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft).