Do you need alignment with new lower control arms?
Yes. It doesn’t matter if there is a new part is installed on a vehicle. Vehicles need alignment on a regular basis to make sure the thrust line and all wheels are in proper alignment meeting all factory specifications. The alignment affects fuel consumption, tire wear and vehicle handling.
What causes a lower control arm to go bad?
Over time, the control arm assembly can become worn or bent. These assemblies normally wear out between 90,000 and 100,000 miles. They can wear out faster if you go over a large pothole or are involved in a car accident. Various parts of the assembly may wear out as well, such as the bushings or ball joints.
How do you replace a lower control arm?
To start the ball joint must be released which can be done using a large wrench 20mm to 24mm or socket and loosening the ball joint nut after the cotter pin has been removed. Then by using a hammer strike the spindle or control arm bulkhead to “shock” the taper fit loose.
How do you change the bushing on a control arm?
Place the new bushing into the lower control arm while observing the marks you made from the old bushing. Do not apply lubrication to the bushing case because it will allow the bushing to walk its way out of the arm while in use. Align the press and slowly force the new bushing into place.
How do you remove nut from lower control arm?
Remove the nut using a 14mm or 15mm wrench or socket. There could be a mini taper fit for this connection so you may need to shock it loose much like the ball joint. Grasp the sway bar link and remove it away from the lower control arm mount. This will help the sway bar link stay out of the way during the job.
How is a sway bar connected to a lower control arm?
A sway bar will be connected to the control arm by way of the sway bar link. Remove the nut using a 14mm or 15mm wrench or socket. There could be a mini taper fit for this connection so you may need to shock it loose much like the ball joint. Grasp the sway bar link and remove it away from the lower control arm mount.