Lower control arm — removal and installation Ford F150
Warning: The manufacturer states to discard removed suspension component fasteners (nuts and bolts) and replace them with new ones.
1. Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Apply the parking brake. Remove the wheel.
2. Detach the stabilizer bar link from the lower control arm (see Stabilizer bar and bushings – removal and installation).
3. Remove the shock absorber/coil spring lower mounting nuts (see Shock absorber/coil spring (front) – removal, component replacement and installation).
4. Loosen the lower balljoint nut a few turns, then use a balljoint separator or puller to separate the balljoint from the steering knuckle. (see illustration). Once it has separated, remove and discard the nut.
.4 Separate the balljoint from the lower control arm using a puller or a tool like this
5. Remove the pivot nuts and bolts from the control arm, then remove it from the frame (see illustrations).
.5a Mark the flange and frame bracket around all pivot bolts and nuts so that they can be installed in their original positions
.5b Control arm nut and bolt locations
6. Inspect the bushings for wear and deterioration. If they’re cracked or damaged replace the control arm assembly.
7. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to align the marks made in Step 5, and tighten all suspension fasteners to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
Note: The pivot bolt nuts should be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height. This can be done after the vehicle has been lowered to the ground or simulated by raising the lower control arm with a floor jack.
8. Have the wheel alignment checked and, if necessary, adjusted.