Lower Arm. Removal and Installation

Special Service Tools / General Equipment

Vehicle/Axle Stands

Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

1. 1
   Remove the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
2. 2
   Remove the 11 screws and 2 clips and remove the front lower underbody shield.

   

3. 3
   Remove the 2 screws and remove the shield.

   

4. 4
   If necessary, remove the clips and shields.

   

5. 5

   NOTICE: The front ride height sensor must be disconnected from the lower arm before servicing suspension components, or damage to the ride height sensor and/or the vehicle's dynamic suspension system may occur. The sensor must be calibrated after assembly.

   Remove the front height sensor arm bracket bolt and set the front height sensor arm bracket aside.

   

6. 6

   NOTICE: Do not use a pry bar or separator fork between the ball joint and steering knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur. Use a pry bar only by inserting it into the lower arm housing hole.

   NOTICE: Be careful when releasing the lower arm and steering knuckle, or damage to the ball joint seal may occur.

   Remove and discard the lower ball joint pinch bolt and nut and separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.

   

7. 7
   Remove and discard the 1 front and 2 rear lower arm bolts and remove the lower arm.

   

Installation

1. 1
   Position the lower arm and install the 2 new rear and 1 new front lower arm bolts.

   

2. 2
   Support the front suspension to ride height.
   Use the general equipment: vehicle/axle stands.

   

3. 3

   NOTICE: Tighten the suspension bushing fasteners with the suspension loaded or the vehicle weight resting on the wheels and tires, otherwise incorrect clamp load and bushing damage may occur.

   Tighten the 2 new rear and 1 new front lower arm bolts.
   Torque:
   1: 122 lb-ft (165 N·m)
   2: 159 lb-ft (215 N·m)

   

4. 4
   Insert the lower ball joint into the steering knuckle and install the new lower ball joint pinch bolt and nut.
   Torque: 76 lb-ft (103 N·m)

   

5. 5
   Position the front height sensor arm bracket and install the front height sensor arm bracket bolt.
   Torque: 177 lb-in (20 N·m)

   

6. 6
   If necessary, install the shields and clips.

   

7. 7
   Install the shield and 2 screws.

   

8. 8
   Install the front lower underbody shield and install the 2 clips and 11 screws.

   

9. 9
   Install the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
10. 10
    Check and adjust the front toe if necessary.
    Refer to: Front Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).
11. 11
    Calibrate the suspension system. Connect the scan tool and perform the ride height calibration procedure. Follow the scan tool directions.