Arm-Lower Control: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to SUSPENSION/FRONT - WARNING) .

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

Fig 1: Tire And Wheel Mounting Method
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the wheel mounting nuts (3), then the tire and wheel assembly (1).

Fig 2: Removing/Installing Stabilizer Bar And Link
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
On each side of the vehicle, remove both stabilizer bar link assemblies (3, 4, 6, 7). Remove each link by holding the upper retainer/nut (3) with a wrench and turning the link bolt (7).
Rotate the forward ends of the stabilizer bar (5) downward. It may be necessary to loosen the stabilizer bar cushion retainer bolts (8) a little to ease any turning resistance.

Fig 3: Removing/Installing Ball Joint Pinch Bolt
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the nut (2) and pinch bolt (4) clamping the ball joint stud (3) to the knuckle (1).

Fig 4: Separate Ball Joint From Knuckle
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

CAUTION: Upon removing the knuckle from the ball joint stud, do not pull outward on the knuckle. Pulling the knuckle outward at this point can separate the inner C/V joint on the halfshaft thus damaging it.

CAUTION: Use care when separating the ball joint stud (4) from the knuckle (1), so the ball joint seal does not get cut.
Using an appropriate prying tool (2), separate the ball joint stud (4) from the knuckle (1) by prying down on lower control arm (3) and up against the ball joint boss on the knuckle.

Fig 5: SPLASH SHIELD TO SPLASH SHIELD
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
If the right lower control arm is being serviced, remove the one fastener (2) securing the wheel house splash shield (1) to the drive belt splash shield (3).

Fig 6: DRIVE BELT SPLASH SHIELD
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

NOTE: Depending on application, it may be necessary to remove some fasteners securing the front fascia (1) to the body lower reinforcement in order to access drive belt splash shield forward fastener.

If the right lower control arm is being serviced:

Remove the fastener (5) securing the drive belt splash shield (3) to the front suspension crossmember (6).
Remove the fasteners (4) securing the splash shield (3) to the body (2).
Remove the drive belt splash shield (3).

Fig 7: Strut Mounting

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - NUT

2 - PENCIL STRUT

3 - NUT

4 - FLAT WASHER

5 - LOWER TORQUE STRUT

If the right lower control arm is being serviced, remove the mounting nuts (1, 3), then the pencil strut (2) from the right front corner of the crossmember and body of the vehicle. Remove the washer (4) behind the strut from the torque strut (5) bolt.

Fig 8: LOWER ENGINE TORQUE STRUT
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

If the right lower control arm is being serviced:

Remove the bolt (4) mounting the engine torque strut (2) to the engine (3).
Remove the bolt (5) mounting the engine torque strut (2) to the crossmember (1).
Remove the engine torque strut (2).

Fig 9: Lower Control Arm Attaching Bolts

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - LOWER CONTROL ARM

2 - FRONT BOLT

3 - CROSSMEMBER

4 - REAR BOLT

Remove the front bolt (2) attaching the lower control arm (1) to the front suspension crossmember (3).
Remove the rear bolt (4) attaching the lower control arm (1) to the front suspension crossmember (3) and frame rail.
Remove the lower control arm from the crossmember.