Contents: Removal ↡ Disassembly ↡
Note: Installation will require new axle bolt nuts, a new lower shock absorber mount bolt nut, and a new stabilizer bar connecting link bolt nut.
Removal
1. Place chocks under the front wheels, then raise the rear of the vehicle with a jack and securely support it on stands (see "Lifting the car with a jack and placing it on supports"). Remove the corresponding wheel.
2. Loosen the mounting screws and remove the protective cover from the base of the lower suspension arm.
3. Place the spring compressor on the spring and compress it to release the upper and lower cups (see paragraph 12).
4. Loosen and remove the nut and bolt securing the stabilizer bar connecting link to the lower arm (see fig. 14.4).
Fig. 14.4. Loosen the nut and bolt and separate the connecting link of the anti-roll bar from the lower arm
5. Place a jack and block of wood under the lower control arm and raise the jack to support the weight of the arm.
6. Working from underneath the vehicle, loosen and remove the lower mount bolt nut and remove the bolt and washers.
7. Loosen the nut on the outer lower arm bolt and remove the bolt. Carefully lower the arm to allow the spring and upper spring cup to be removed (see Fig. 14.7. a, b).
Fig. 14.7, a. Remove the outer bolt of the lower arm (shown by arrow)
Fig. 14.7, b. Carefully lower the lever using the jack so that you can pull out the spring and support cup
8. Remove the nut, then remove the inner bolt and washers and remove the lower control arm from under the vehicle (see fig. 14.8).
Fig. 14.8. Loosen the nut, remove the inner bolt, remove the washers and remove the lower arm from under the car
Disassembly
9. Thoroughly clean the lower arm and the area around the arm bearings, removing all traces of dirt and mastic. Then check for cracks, deformation or other signs of wear or damage, paying particular attention to the bearing bushings and the ball joint. If a bushing or ball joint needs to be replaced, this should be done at a service station. To press out and press in the bushings or the ball joint, use a hydraulic press and suitable shims.
10. Position the lower control arm and install the front and inner axle bolt and washers. Install the new nut, tightening it lightly at this stage.
11. Check that the lower arm spring cup is clean, then install the upper cup onto the spring and install the spring in place.
12. Position the lower spring end against the stop on the lower control arm cup. Align the upper spring cup with the support on the body and carefully lift the control arm, aligning it with the hub retainer, anti-roll bar link and shock absorber.
13. Make sure the spring is positioned correctly, then insert the outer lower arm axle bolt. Install a new bolt nut and tighten it lightly.
14. Align the lower end of the shock absorber with the arm and insert the support bolt(s). Install the new nut(s), tightening it finger tight at this stage.
15. Insert the connecting link bolt, then install the new nut and tighten it slightly.
16. Install the wheel, then lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel bolts to the specified torque.
17. When the car is on the ground, rock it to ensure that all parts are in the required position, then tighten the lower arm axle bolts, lower shock absorber support bolts, and stabilizer bar link bolt to the required force. Install the protective cover on the lower arm and tighten the screws that secure it.