How to change a track control arm [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change control arm on a car – replacement tutorial

Required Tools:

                      Tap wrench
                    
                      Wheel impact socket
                    
                      Impact socket
                    
                      Ball joint puller set
                    
                      3-Arm Gear Puller
                    
                      Jack

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Please note!

A suspension arm allows the wheel to change its position in relation to the car body or subframe
There are many types of arms, but they are similar in operation and are replaced in much the same way
Bushings only allow movement of the arm about one rotation axis
The connection between the central and outer bushing sleeves is flexible. This enables movement of the bushing or mating part
A ball joint allows not only mobility, but also rotation of the assembly
Suspension play and noise are indications of worn bushings and ball joints

1.

To remove any type of suspension arm, you should first access its fasteners and familiarise yourself with its design

Important!
In the MacPherson strut suspension system, the ball joint is connected to the steering knuckleThe front and rear bushings are attached to the subframe or body
2.

Loosen the fasteners of the bushings without unscrewing them completely
3.

Unscrew the ball joint fastener and remove the ball joint from the steering knuckle
4.

Remove the fasteners of the bushings and dismount the arm

Please note!
The ball joint of the arm can be removable or permanently fixed to the armThe ball stud can be of two types:A tapered one is secured by a nut and requires pressing out with a special puller. These pullers vary in height, angle, and jaw openingA cylindrical one is inserted in a clamp, which should be slightly spread beforehand
5.

To avoid injury, proceed carefully when removing the arm as its edge is spring-loaded

Be careful!
When one arm bushing is unscrewed, the other is still under loadIn this design, the rear bushing is only fixed in the vertical directionThe front one, on the other hand, is secured by its fastener against longitudinal movement
6.

To remove the arm, first disconnect the front bushings, then the rear one

Please note!
For a certain type of bushing, there are retaining grooves on the subframe that set the installation direction of the inner sleeve of the bushingThese bushings can only be removed in a certain positionOn some cars, the rear bushing is attached to the subframe with a bolt that is inserted from aboveThis means that in order to remove the arm, you should first access it and possibly remove other components
7.

The design in which the front bushing is positioned vertically is common. To remove its fastening bolt, you should move aside the CV axle

Caution!
In most cases, the arms are replaced on both sides of the axle in the same wayAn exception is removal of the bolt of the front bushing on some vehicles with automatic transmission
8.

It might be necessary to first remove the gearbox mount and raise the gearbox a little together with the engine
9.

The fasteners of the horizontally positioned bushings should only be tightened when the arm is in its working position. This means the position in which the arm is loaded by the vehicle’s weight
10.

In most cases, you have to jack up the arm until it is almost horizontal. This procedure can be carried out with the help of a jack and some support

AUTODOC recommends:
Do not jack up the central part of the ball joint as this could damage itDo not fasten the bushings while the arm is not in its working positionOtherwise, when the car is set back on the ground and the arm takes its working position, the bushings will be overly strainedLater on, when the car is in use, the suspension travel will exceed the working range of the bushings, causing these to fail
11.

The lower and upper control arms may have the bolts responsible for the wheel alignment. Before removing such a bolt, make a mark to guide you when reinstalling it
12.

However, in any case, after completing the work, have the wheels aligned on a wheel alignment machine
13.

The suspension may be designed so that the spring permanently presses on the arm. Before removing an arm of this kind or its fasteners, jack it up to reduce the spring force

Important!
Proceed carefully to avoid injuryBe sure to use new fasteners
14.

Only tighten the fasteners of the arm bushings when the arm is jacked up to its working position