🔧 Control Arm - Front Lower Control Arm Replacement

On your Altima, the front lower control arms connect the steering knuckle to the subframe and hold the front wheels in the correct position. Replacing them is needed if the ball joint is loose, the bushings are torn, or you hear clunks over bumps.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Never work under your Altima while it is supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands.
• ⚠️ The front suspension is heavy and can shift suddenly when bolts are removed. Keep hands clear of pinch points.
• ⚠️ Replace control arms in pairs if one side has worn bushings or ball joint wear.
• ⚠️ Do not fully tighten the control arm bushing bolts while the suspension is hanging. Final tightening must be done near normal ride height to prevent bushing damage.
• ⚠️ A wheel alignment is required after this repair.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm lug nut socket
• Breaker bar 1/2-inch drive
• Ratchet 1/2-inch drive
• Torque wrench 1/2-inch drive
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 17mm wrench
• 18mm wrench
• 19mm wrench
• Ball joint separator tool (specialty)
• Pry bar 18-inch
• Hammer 24-ounce
• Needle-nose pliers
• Paint marker
• Penetrating oil
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front lower control arm assembly - Qty: 2
• Front lower ball joint pinch bolt and nut - Qty: 2
• Front lower control arm mounting bolts - Qty: 4
• Front lower control arm mounting nuts - Qty: 4

Note: The lower ball joint is usually included with the complete control arm assembly. Replace both front control arms as a pair for even handling and tire wear.

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Altima on level ground.
• Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Spray penetrating oil on the control arm bolts and ball joint pinch bolt before starting.
• A ball joint separator is a tool that separates the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle without hammering directly on the joint.
• A torque wrench is a tool that tightens bolts to an exact tightness so parts are not loose or over-tightened.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the Front Lug Nuts

• Use a 19mm lug nut socket and breaker bar 1/2-inch drive to loosen each front lug nut about half a turn.
• Do not remove the lug nuts yet.
• Break them loose before lifting.

Step 2: Raise and Support the Front End

• Use a floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to lift the front of your Altima at the front center jacking point.
• Place jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum) under the approved front side support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Shake the vehicle lightly by hand to confirm it is stable.

Step 3: Remove the Front Wheels

• Use a 19mm lug nut socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to remove the loosened lug nuts.
• Remove both front wheels and set them aside.

Step 4: Mark the Current Bolt Positions

• Use a paint marker to mark the position of the control arm mounting bolts and washers.
• This helps get the alignment close enough to drive carefully to an alignment shop.
• Alignment is still required.

Step 5: Remove the Ball Joint Pinch Bolt

• Locate the lower ball joint where the control arm connects to the steering knuckle.
• Use a 17mm socket and 17mm wrench to remove the ball joint pinch bolt and nut.
• If the nut is rusty, spray it again with penetrating oil and wait a few minutes.
• Discard the old pinch bolt and nut if replacing hardware.

Step 6: Separate the Ball Joint from the Steering Knuckle

• Use a ball joint separator tool (specialty) to separate the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.
• If needed, use a hammer 24-ounce to tap the separator tool only.
• Do not hit the rubber boot on the ball joint.
• Support the steering knuckle by hand so it does not pull on the brake hose.

Step 7: Remove the Front Control Arm Mounting Bolt

• Use an 18mm socket and 18mm wrench to loosen and remove the front control arm mounting bolt and nut.
• Use a breaker bar 1/2-inch drive if the bolt is tight.
• Keep track of bolt direction and washer position.

Step 8: Remove the Rear Control Arm Mounting Bolt

• Use a 21mm socket and 19mm wrench to remove the rear control arm mounting bolt and nut.
• Use a pry bar 18-inch to gently relieve pressure if the bolt binds.
• Do not pry against brake lines or the CV axle boot.

Step 9: Remove the Old Control Arm

• Use a pry bar 18-inch to carefully work the old control arm out of the subframe brackets.
• Lower the control arm out of the vehicle.
• Compare the old and new control arms before installation.
• Match left and right sides carefully.

Step 10: Install the New Control Arm

• Slide the new control arm into the subframe brackets by hand.
• Use a pry bar 18-inch only if needed to line up the bushings.
• Install the front and rear mounting bolts by hand first.
• Do not fully tighten the bushing bolts yet.

Step 11: Connect the Ball Joint

• Guide the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle by hand.
• Use a floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) under the outer control arm to gently raise it into position.
• Install the new ball joint pinch bolt and nut.
• Use a 17mm socket and 17mm wrench to tighten the pinch bolt.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs)

Step 12: Preload the Suspension

• Place the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) under the outer end of the control arm.
• Raise the control arm until the suspension is close to normal ride height.
• This step is called preloading. It puts the suspension near its normal driving position before tightening the rubber bushings.

Step 13: Tighten the Control Arm Mounting Bolts

• Use an 18mm socket, 21mm socket, 18mm wrench, 19mm wrench, and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to tighten the control arm mounting bolts.
• Front control arm mounting bolt: Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs)
• Rear control arm mounting bolt: Torque to 137 Nm (101 ft-lbs)
• If your replacement hardware uses a different nut size, use the matching listed socket or wrench.

Step 14: Repeat on the Other Side

• Repeat Steps 5 through 13 on the opposite front control arm.
• Use the same tools and tightening method.
• Replace in pairs for best steering feel and tire life.

Step 15: Reinstall the Front Wheels

• Install the front wheels by hand.
• Use a 19mm lug nut socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Lower your Altima until the tires just touch the ground.
• Use a torque wrench 1/2-inch drive and 19mm lug nut socket to tighten the lug nuts.
• Torque to 113 Nm (83 ft-lbs)

Step 16: Fully Lower the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) to lift slightly and remove the jack stands.
• Lower your Altima fully to the ground.
• Remove the wheel chocks.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start with a slow test drive in a safe area.
• ✅ Listen for clunks, pops, or rubbing noises.
• ✅ Make sure the steering wheel returns normally after turns.
• ✅ Recheck the lug nut torque after the first short drive: Torque to 113 Nm (83 ft-lbs).
• ✅ Schedule a four-wheel alignment immediately after replacing the control arms.
• ✅ Avoid highway speeds until the alignment is completed.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $650-$1,100 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $470-$650 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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