Removal

NOTE: When removal and installation of the lower control arm is performed on this vehicle, the vehicle MUST have a full alignment done.

1. Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a frame contact type hoist.

NOTE: When removing the center cap from the wheel do not use a sharp or hard tool. Use of such a tool can mare the finish on the wheel and damage the center cap.





2. Remove the center cap from the wheel. Center cap is removed by inserting a trim stick into the notch on the center cap and prying it off the wheel.
3. Remove the front wheel and tire.





4. Remove the nut and bolt mounting the push rod to the lower control arm. Remove the push rod from the isolator bushing in the lower control arm.





CAUTION: When removing the front lower control arm the remaining front suspension components on that side of the vehicle must be supported. If the remaining components are not supported they will drop when the lower control arm is removed causing possible injury, and damage to the vehicle.

5. Support the suspension on the side of the vehicle that the lower control arm is to be removed from, by placing a transmission jack under the brake rotor. Raise the transmission jack so it just contacts the brake rotor. Do not lift the suspension.

NOTE: The lower ball joint to steering knuckle attaching nut is not to be reused. Discard the attaching nut after it is removed.





6. Remove the nut, attaching the stud of the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle.
7. Remove the nut and washer attaching the stud of the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle.





NOTE: The special nut must be installed on the stud or the upper ball joint to properly align the Remover, Special Tool 6998, or equivalent with the stud of the lower ball joint. Use of the special nut will also prevent damage to the steering knuckle when pressing out the lower ball joint stud.

8. Install the correct special nut from Remover, Special Tool 6998, or equivalent on the stud of the upper ball joint.





9. Install Remover, Special Tool 6998, or equivalent between the nut previously installed on the stud of the upper ball joint and the stud of the lower ball joint.

CAUTION: Do not strike the steering knuckle or apply heat to the steering knuckle when separating the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.

10. Hold the end of the Remover, Special Tool 6998, or equivalent that is against the special nut from turning with a wrench. Using a wench, turn the threaded end against the stud of the lower ball joint. This will press the stud of the lower ball joint out of the steering knuckle.
11. Remove the special nut from Remover, Special Tool 6998, or equivalent from the stud of the upper ball joint.
12. Install the original washer and nut that previously removed back on the stud of the upper ball joint. Tighten but do not torque the nut at this time.

CAUTION: When removing lower control arm do not hammer on or bend the frame brackets. This can cause the frame bracket to break requiring frame repair or replacement.





13. Remove the bolts and flag nuts attaching the lower control arm to the frame brackets.
14. Remove lower control arm from frame brackets.