Replacing lower control arm. How difficult?
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Replacing lower control arm. How difficult?
98 Plymouth Breeze, 65K, 2.0L 4 Cyl
This car has been making creeping noise. I was going to replace stabilizer bar end links, but I found the ball joint seal boot for the lower control arm was completely deteriorated. After removing debris, I could see rust in the ball joint area. In this car, the ball joint is an integral part of the lower control arm and the whole thing has to be replaced. ($150 per piece x 2 sides x 2 cars) I checked service manual. The steps are:
1) Remove brake caliper, (I know how to do this)
2) Hammer steering knuckle out of the way (don't know what that means)
3) without separating CV joint (don't know)
4) Remove shock absorber clevis (I can see it)
5) Remove stabilizer bar (one side only) (I know how to do it)
6) Remove bolts and nuts that connect lower control arm to front suspension members (I can see them)
1) How difficult is this job? I don't have a lift. I will have to crawl under after jacking up the car.
2) Is it better to replace the front shocks while the suspension is taken apart?
3) Do I need wheel alignment after lower control arm replacement? (because shock absorber was removed and reattached)
Thanks.
This car has been making creeping noise. I was going to replace stabilizer bar end links, but I found the ball joint seal boot for the lower control arm was completely deteriorated. After removing debris, I could see rust in the ball joint area. In this car, the ball joint is an integral part of the lower control arm and the whole thing has to be replaced. ($150 per piece x 2 sides x 2 cars) I checked service manual. The steps are:
1) Remove brake caliper, (I know how to do this)
2) Hammer steering knuckle out of the way (don't know what that means)
3) without separating CV joint (don't know)
4) Remove shock absorber clevis (I can see it)
5) Remove stabilizer bar (one side only) (I know how to do it)
6) Remove bolts and nuts that connect lower control arm to front suspension members (I can see them)
1) How difficult is this job? I don't have a lift. I will have to crawl under after jacking up the car.
2) Is it better to replace the front shocks while the suspension is taken apart?
3) Do I need wheel alignment after lower control arm replacement? (because shock absorber was removed and reattached)
Thanks.
Last edited by puter; 07-23-05 at 10:37 AM.
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From the rone of your post I would think this will be over your head, if you have someone to guide you who knows what they're doing I would say give it a try. Otherwise it's netter to let a fron end shop do the work.
It's easier to replace shocks while front end is apart.
You will definately need an alignment after work is compketed as front end geometry will be disturbed.
It's easier to replace shocks while front end is apart.
You will definately need an alignment after work is compketed as front end geometry will be disturbed.
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Thanks for the reply. I have already ordered the parts. I am going to give it a try. After all, I am an engineer, though not an automotive engineer. I should be able to handle this to be called an engineer.
To be honest with you, cost was the primary reason I decided to give it a try. And I have another vehicle to use while the front end is taken apart. I have instructions from service manual and autozone.com how-to. Please give me helpful tips. Much appreciated.
To be honest with you, cost was the primary reason I decided to give it a try. And I have another vehicle to use while the front end is taken apart. I have instructions from service manual and autozone.com how-to. Please give me helpful tips. Much appreciated.