🔧 Control Arms - Replacement

Assumption: this covers the front lower control arms on your Explorer, and they should be replaced in pairs. The control arm is the suspension link that holds the wheel in the correct position and helps with steering feel and tire wear.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on the jack alone.
• Keep hands clear of the spring and suspension when removing the arm.
• Alignment is required after control arm replacement.
• Torque specs matter on suspension parts. Do not guess.
• If any bolt is seized, stop and use penetrating oil before forcing it.

---

🔧 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
• Breaker bar
• 1/2-inch drive ratchet
• Metric socket set
• 21mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Combination wrench set
• Ball joint separator (specialty)
• Penetrating oil
• Rubber mallet
• Bungee cord or mechanic's wire
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front lower control arm - Qty: 2
• Control arm bolts and nuts - Qty: 1 set
• Alignment service - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting if a wheel needs to come off.
• Lift the front and support it securely on jack stands.
• Turn the steering wheel for better access if needed.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to raise the front of the Explorer.
• Place jack stands under the proper front support points.
• Remove the front wheel with a 21mm socket if needed for access.

Step 2: Disconnect the ball joint from the knuckle

• Spray penetrating oil on the ball joint nut and mounting hardware.
• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove the ball joint nut.
• Use a ball joint separator to break the taper loose.
• Support the knuckle so the axle is not strained.

Step 3: Remove the rear control arm bolt

• Use a 24mm socket and breaker bar to remove the rear mounting bolt.
• Hold the opposite side with a combination wrench if needed.

Step 4: Remove the front control arm bolt

• Use a 21mm socket to remove the front mounting bolt.
• Lower or raise the jack slightly if the bolt is under load.
• Remove the control arm from the vehicle.

Step 5: Install the new control arm

• Position the new control arm in place by hand first.
• Start both mounting bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Install the ball joint stud into the knuckle and thread the nut by hand.
• Leave suspension bolts slightly loose until ride height.

Step 6: Torque the fasteners at ride height

• Support the lower control arm with a floor jack until it sits at normal ride height.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the front and rear control arm bolts.
• Torque to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs) for the main arm mounting bolts unless your replacement parts include a different spec.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the ball joint nut.
• Torque to 95 Nm (70 ft-lbs) for the ball joint nut unless your service information states otherwise.

Step 7: Reassemble and repeat on the other side

• Reinstall the wheel using a 21mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle and repeat the same steps on the opposite side.
• Torque to 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs) for the wheel lug nuts.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and listen for clunks or pops over bumps.
• Check that the steering wheel is centered.
• Drive slowly at first and confirm the front end feels stable.
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment right away.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $650-$1,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$420 (parts only)

You Save: $470-$780 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 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.