🔧 Front Lower Control Arm - Replacement

Assumption: This covers the front lower control arms. If you meant the rear control arms, the steps and hardware are different.

The front lower control arms support wheel alignment and suspension movement. On your CX-5, this job requires safely lifting the front, removing the wheel, disconnecting the arm at the subframe and steering knuckle, then torquing everything at ride height to avoid bushing preload.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle with jack stands on solid ground. Never work under a car held up only by a jack.
• Keep hands clear of the spring and knuckle while separating the control arm.
• Use caution around brake hoses and ABS wires when moving the knuckle.
• Perform final torque with the suspension at normal ride height to protect the control arm bushings.
• 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 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• 21mm socket
• 24mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 19mm wrench
• Ratchet
• Pickle fork or ball joint separator (specialty)
• 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 - Left - Qty: 1
• Front lower control arm - Right - Qty: 1
• Front lower control arm bolts and nuts - Qty: 1 set
• Front wheel alignment service - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Spray the control arm bolts and ball joint nut with penetrating oil before starting.
• Mark the bolt locations with a paint marker so reassembly is easier.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and remove the wheel

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the approved lift point.
• Set it securely on jack stands.
• Remove the front wheel with a 21mm socket.

Step 2: Disconnect the sway bar link if needed

• If the sway bar limits movement, remove the link nut with a 14mm socket and a 19mm wrench.
• Move the link out of the way carefully.

Step 3: Separate the ball joint from the knuckle

• Remove the ball joint nut with a 17mm socket.
• Use a pickle fork or ball joint separator to release the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
• Tap the separator, not the knuckle.

Step 4: Remove the control arm mounting bolts

• Use a 14mm socket and 17mm socket to remove the rear and front control arm bolts, depending on side and hardware.
• Support the arm as the last bolt comes out.

Step 5: Install the new control arm

• Position the new control arm in place.
• Start all bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Attach the ball joint to the knuckle and install the nut finger-tight.

Step 6: Torque the hardware at ride height

• Lower the vehicle so the suspension sits at normal ride height, or raise the control arm with a jack until it matches ride height.
• Tighten the ball joint nut with a 17mm socket.
• Torque to 59 Nm (44 ft-lbs) for the ball joint nut.
• Torque to 129 Nm (95 ft-lbs) for the control arm pivot bolts.
• If your replacement arm includes new fasteners, use them.

Step 7: Reinstall the wheel

• Install the wheel and snug the lug nuts with a 21mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle fully and torque to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Repeat on the other side if replacing both

• Replace control arms in pairs for even handling.
• Do the same steps on the opposite side if needed.

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✅ After Repair

• Drive slowly at first and listen for clunks or rubbing.
• Get a professional wheel alignment immediately after the repair.
• Check for steering wheel centering and normal braking feel.
• Recheck fastener torque after the first test drive if you have access to the vehicle safely.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $550-$1,100 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $370-$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?

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.