Arm - Lower Control - RWD: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Dodge Magnum, 2006 Dodge Charger, and 2006 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

Fig 1: Tire And Wheel Mounting
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove wheel mounting nuts (3), then tire and wheel assembly (1).
Remove belly pan. (Refer to BODY/EXTERIOR/BELLY PAN - REMOVAL)

Fig 2: Front Stabilizer Bar Heat Shield
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Remove screws (1) fastening stabilizer bar heat shield (3) on side of control arm repair.

Fig 3: Locating Front Stabilizer Bar Retaining Bolts
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Remove bolts (2) fastening stabilizer bar bushing retainer (1) in place on side of control arm repair.

Fig 4: Locating Retainer Halves
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Remove retainer halves (1)(2) from around stabilizer bar bushing (3).

Fig 5: Locating Front Stabilizer Bar and Bushing
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Utilizing slit, remove bushing (1) from stabilizer bar (2).

Fig 6: Control Arm Cradle Bolt Head
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

NOTE: In the following step, the lower control arm cradle bolt (3) is accessed through the opening (2) created by removal of the bushing from the stabilizer bar (4).

Fig 7: Wheel Alignment Adjustment Bolt
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

CAUTION: If the lower control arm bolt at the engine cradle has a lengthwise grooved shaft (2), it is a special wheel alignment adjustment bolt and the bolt head (1) must not be rotated in the vehicle or damage to the bolt and engine cradle will result. While holding the bolt in place with a wrench, remove the nut, then slide the bolt out of the bushing and cradle taking note of bolt positioning in engine cradle for reassembly purposes. The bolt needs to be installed in the same position as removed to make sure wheel camber and caster return to adjusted position.

Fig 8: Control Arm Cradle Bolt Nut
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove bolt and nut (1) securing lower control arm (2) to engine cradle. If bolt has a lengthwise grooved shaft (see above CAUTION), remove bolt and nut by holding the bolt in place with a wrench, removing nut, then sliding bolt out of bushing and cradle while taking note of bolt positioning in lower control arm bushing for reassembly purposes.

Fig 9: Lower Shock Mounting Bolt
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove bolt (3) securing shock assembly (1) to lower control arm (4).

Fig 10: Wheel Speed Sensor At Front Knuckle
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Remove screw (3) fastening wheel speed sensor to knuckle (1). Pull sensor head (4) out of knuckle.
Remove wheel speed sensor cable routing clip (2) from brake flex hose routing bracket (5).

Fig 11: Ball Joint, Spindle And Outer Tie Rod Attachment
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Loosen nut (5) attaching ball joint stud to lower control arm (4). Back nut off until nut is even with end of stud. Keeping nut on at this location will help keep end of stud from distorting while using Puller in next step.

Fig 12: USING PULLER ON LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

CAUTION: In following step, use care not to damage ball joint seal boot while sliding Puller, Special Tool 9360, into place past seal boot.
Using Puller (1), Special Tool 9360, separate ball joint stud (2) from lower control arm.

Fig 13: Ball Joint, Spindle And Outer Tie Rod Attachment
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove nut (5) from end of ball joint stud attaching lower control arm to knuckle.
Pry knuckle downward and slide ball joint stud out of lower control arm. Position knuckle outward, away from lower control arm.
Slide lower control arm out of engine cradle and remove from vehicle.