Control Arm: Service and Repair

Disassembly

1. Detach drive shaft from transmission flange. Use flat chisel in the area of the flange gasket to separate shaft assembly from flange.

CAUTION: Do not damage the flange surfaces.

2. Detach brake line from brake caliper and control arm assembly (first depress brake pedal with pedal holder to keep brake fluid from draining out of the brake fluid reservoir).

3. Remove cotter pin from the castellated nut in the wheel shaft and remove nut with the aid of P42a, P36b P44a, and P296.
4. Remove brake disc.

5. Raise torsion plate (trailing arm) with the aid of P 289. Remove shock absorber retaining bolt.
6. Drive wheel shaft out towards vehicle center.

7. Drive rear wheel hub out with the aid of P 297a.
8. Remove cotter pin and castellated nut from brake cable stub. Pull brake cable out towards vehicle center.

9. Press ball bearing out with an appropriate thrust piece (approx. 65 mm dia.).

Checking Parts

1. Check rubber mounts in rear axle control arms for wear or damage, replace if necessary.

2. Install special tool P 295c (adapter for mounting aluminum axle control arm) in special tool P 295b. Marker in the P 295c adapter must point towards the marker in P 295b.

3. Using P 295b and P 295c, check axle control arm for deformation.
If the control arm is in alignment, it will be possible to push the test mandrel in with the rubber mounts installed. Deformed axle control arms must be replaced.

Reassembly

1. Using an appropriate press adapter (approx. 73 mm dia.), press the double-row ball bearing fully in (apply pressure to bearing outer race).

NOTE: The double-row ball bearing must always be replaced because it Is damaged during removal from the axle control arm.

2. If the rubber mounts were removed, install new ones by pressing them fully in.

3. Using P 298b and the wheel shaft, press the wheel hub into the double-row ball bearing.

NOTE: Do not drive the wheel hub into the bearing with a hammer since this will damage the hearing.