I'm replacing my bent front lower control arm on friday and was wondering if anyone knew any links that could help me out or if anyone just knew from experience. I'm also replacing the end-link bolt, I don't know if thats a big deal either. Any replys are appreciated. Thx.


[Modified by xintegra01, 9:23 PM 11/13/2002]

 

Its really not that difficult at all. The endlink is the piece that hold the sway bar to the control arm. Its small and easy. The hardest part will probably be the ball joint.

 

Before you continue on your adventure I suggest you buy a Helm's. It'll give you all the information you need and more on how to do any repairs to your vehicle.

Buy it from here: Helm's Manual



[Modified by P, 9:32 AM 11/14/2002]

 

Why a manual? The entire lower control arm is only held on by 4 bolts. It's really quite simple. The forward-most bolt is a 19mm, and the 3 bolts holding the rear of the LCA down are 17mm's, if I remember correctly. You'll need a ball joint splitter/puller though... Takes about 30 minutes to do if you've never done it before.

 

He wouldn't ask this kind of question ever again if he had a manual.

We know it's easy, but it's still wise to have a Helm's and torque everything to spec. Am I the only one that uses a torque wrench for almost everything?

The ball joint can be taken out if you carefully use a padded mallet. Be careful about not damaging the threads and boot.




[Modified by P, 11:35 AM 11/14/2002]

 

sounds good, thx guys...now if only it werent so cold out. working on cars in 30/40 degree weather = not fun

 

my torque wrench is used for head bolts, cam caps, any bearing caps and flywheel bolts...

everything else by feel...

hey! a haynes or chilton manual would probably be easier for someone doing minor stuff anyways, a Helm would probly be information overload!

my 2.5c

t..

 

just a tip too,

if you are working in that kinda weather, wear some gloves if you can,

once you hands go numb you cant feel the parts properly and cant tell if you gash your skin...

oh, and make sure you replace any split-pins you remove!

oh oh - and try to get a PROPER ball joint separator and leave the castle nut ON when popping the ball joint... (you dont want to ruin the balljoint thread!)

t..

 

What would be considered a "proper" ball joint seperator?....Yea I put my short shifter in a few days ago, my hands were a mixture of numbness/blood/grease, fun stuff.

 

hmmm, i wish i had a picture cause it is hard to expalin...

sorta like a clamp that has a bolt that pushes against the bottom of the ball joint whilst holding the top bit...

dont get a "ball joint splitter" that you have to hit with a hammer

t..