🔧 Control Arms - Replacement

Assumption: This guide covers the front lower control arms and recommends replacing them in pairs.

The control arms locate the front suspension and let the wheels move smoothly while staying aligned. If the bushings or ball joints are worn, you may get clunks, wandering, uneven tire wear, or steering pull.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 4-6 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle securely on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• The front suspension is under load. Keep hands clear when separating the ball joint and knuckle.
• Do not let the axle shaft hang or overextend on AWD models.
• Alignment will be required after the repair.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 21mm lug wrench
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• Breaker bar
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Ball joint separator (specialty)
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Dead blow hammer

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front lower control arm assembly - Qty: 2
• Front control arm bolts and nuts - Qty: 1 set
• Front sway bar link nuts - Qty: 2
• Alignment service - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts before lifting.
• Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and let it soak.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper front jacking point.
• Place jack stands under the front support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Remove both front wheels using a 21mm lug wrench.

Step 2: Remove components blocking control arm access

• Use a 14mm socket or 17mm socket to remove the sway bar link nut if it blocks access.
• Use a paint marker to mark the position of any cam bolts before removal.
• Marking helps preserve alignment range.

Step 3: Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle

• Use a 17mm socket or 18mm socket to remove the ball joint pinch bolt or fastener, depending on the exact arm design.
• Use a ball joint separator to free the ball joint from the knuckle.
• Support the knuckle so the axle and brake hose are not stretched.

Step 4: Remove the rear and front control arm bolts

• Use a 17mm socket, 18mm socket, or 21mm socket to remove the control arm mounting bolts.
• If a cam bolt is present, keep the washer and cam plate in order.
• Remove the control arm from the vehicle.

Step 5: Install the new control arm

• Position the new control arm in place by hand.
• Start all bolts by hand first using the correct socket.
• Reconnect the ball joint to the knuckle and install the pinch bolt or retaining fastener.
• Do not fully tighten the bushing bolts yet.

Step 6: Set the suspension at ride height and torque fasteners

• Raise the suspension slightly with a floor jack under the lower arm so the bushing sits at normal ride height.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten all control arm fasteners to factory specification.
• Tighten to factory torque specification for the front lower control arm bolts and ball joint fasteners.
• Torque bushings at ride height only.

Step 7: Reassemble and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the sway bar link hardware if removed.
• Install the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts using a 21mm lug wrench.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts with a torque wrench.
• Tighten the lug nuts to factory wheel torque specification.

---

✅ After Repair

• Test drive at low speed first.
• Listen for clunks or rubbing.
• Check for loose hardware after the first drive.
• Get a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $700-$1,400 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$500 (parts only)

You Save: $520-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-6 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.