An upper control arm also called the upper swing arm, is crucial for the car suspension. How to replace an upper control arm without spending a fortune? If the replacement is the same as the original size, it will not affect the car's performance. Pay attention to tightening according to the correct steps and torque in the maintenance manual during installation. After installation, do a four-wheel alignment to check the suspension data (within the qualified range).
Generally, replacing the upper control arm is necessary after the car has been used for about 6-8 years. If it doesn't work, you need to replace the entire upper control arm of the left and right wheels. In most cases, you only need to replace the rubber sleeve inside, and the price is relatively low.
Replacing the upper control arm
Before replacing an upper control arm, park your car on a level surface. You can use the jack stand to lift the vehicle and then remove the wheels.
1. Help the spindle
Place a jack underneath the lower ball joint to relieve the suspension components from the downward pressure. You may have to take out any wiring or clamps for brake hoses to free the arm. In some cases, you may have to remove the shock before removing the control arm.
2. Release the upper joint
Use an 18mm wrench to loosen approximately three turns of the ball joint nuts after removing the cotter pin. You will not remove the nut as it will protect the threads of the ball joints.
Place a large prybar between the upper control arm & spindle, and push down to apply pressure on the cone mounting studs at the upper ball joint.
Use a hammer to keep pressure on the ball joint and tap the spindle spacer. A pop indicates that the tapered mating screw has come loose from the spindle.
Finish loosening the taper fitting by removing the ball joint nuts.
You can lift the spindle arm by lifting the arm. If rubber brake lines are present, be careful.
3. Take out the upper bushing bolts
Use felt pen marks and keep these marks in mind when assembling. Some designs may require a spacer or a series of spacers that must reinstall after removal. These bushing bolts may face the engine or be aligned with the frame.
Use an 18mm socket or wrench to loosen the nuts on the arms.
4. Take out the upper control arm
Slide the bolt out of the bracket for the control arm while still keeping the adjuster in place. Move the control arm upwards while pulling inward.
5. Match the new control arm
To ensure proper installation, remove the control arm and match it with the new part.
6. Ready to install control arm
Sure control arms have Zerk fittings that allow lubricant installation (grease). Connect the connector to the wrench and tighten it using an 8mm wrench.
7. Install the upper control arm
Install the control arm in the frame mount. You may need to move the arm up or down while pressing inwardly to align the mounting bolts.
Align the bolt holes and place the mounting bolts in precisely the same places as the ones that were taken out.
To tighten the mounting bolts, use a wrench or socket. The alignment spacers or adjusters can be left in place. Although these bolts are difficult to narrow utilizing a torque wrench, they can be drawn to the manufacturer's specifications, ranging between 65 to 75 ft-lbs.
8. Connect the upper ball joint
The upper ball joint should be inserted into the spacer for the upper spindle. Tap the tapered mating joint with a hammer, so it doesn't turn after installing the nut.
To avoid cross threads, install the ball joint nuts by hand. If the taper is not pushing the control arm down, this will prevent the ball joint from turning.
To tighten the bolts for the upper ball joints, use a wrench. To tighten the nuts to the manufacturer's specifications, typically between 65 and 75 ft. lbs. If necessary, replace the cotter pins.
Tend to tighten the ball joint nuts
Reconnect brake cables, sockets, or clips damaged during service should.
9. Lubricate the upper joint of the ball joint
Once the job is done, you can use a grease gun to lubricate the upper ball joint.
Lubricate the upper joint of the ball joint
10. Get the support jack
Reinstall the wheel by lowering the hydraulic jack. Follow factory instructions (95 to 110 ft. lbs) to tighten the lug nuts. When you complete the suspension work, we recommend aligning the car.
The above is about how to replace an upper control arm. If you need a new control arm replacement option, please visit the YITAMOTOR product page.
